Have you ever wanted to give of your time and yourself to a worthy cause or organisation?
Perhaps volunteering at a hospice has crossed your mind, but you’re worried that it’s sad and depressing work?
Holistic entrepreneur Marisa Wollheim, a dedicated and passionate trainer with more than two decades of experience in hospice care, will facilitate a comprehensive four-day ”Introduction to Care Giving” course, from January 26 to 30, at Stepping Stone Hospice, in New Market Park.
“We aim to meet their physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs, and also to support their families through this experience and bring solace to those grieving the death of a loved one,” explains Stepping Stone CEO Tersia Burger.
“Our palliative care is offered by a team of doctors, professional nurses, therapists, social workers, spiritual counsellors and volunteers.”
The Introduction to Caregiving – Module 1, will run from 09:00 to 16:00 each day, at a cost of R500 per attendee for the course.
A host of topics will be covered, including: ·
*What is a hospice
*Basic Self-Awareness
*Communication, Counselling and Life Skills
*Stages of Loss (including understanding loss and how it affects us)
*Dynamics of Death and Dying
*Grief, Empathy and Bereavement
*The Power of Choice and Attitude
*Holistic Care and Living.
There are several ongoing ‘”supportive” duties at Stepping Stone Hospice and volunteers are welcomed in areas such as fund-raising and events; home-based care; catering; collections and deliveries; administration and phone duty, as well as housekeeping and maintenance.
No previous palliative care or counselling experience is required, unless you want to become a care worker or bereavement counsellor.
A commitment of four to five hours per week of your time is recommended to help ensure that you become an active part of a very dedicated team.
Says Marisa: “Whether you decide, by the end of the course, to take the plunge and become a hospice volunteer or not, this journey of learning and understanding is sure to change your life!”
For more information and applications for the Caregiver Training Course, contact Jane Garcia at Stepping Stone Hospice on 087 997 0222, or email to info@steppingstonehospice.co.za. Please note: applications close on January 20, 2016.
