The invaluable contribution made by volunteers to hospices will be the focus on a free talk by one of the leading experts in palliative care.
The online talk on Wednesday, May 4th is being given by guest speaker Catherine Walshe, professor of palliative care and co-director of the International Observatory on End-of-Life Care at Lancaster University. It is being hosted by Isabel Hospice as part of a series of events to mark the charity’s 40th anniversary.
A nurse by background, much of Prof Walshe’s research explores the ways that palliative care is organised and delivered, including the varied roles of volunteers.
As an organisation, Isabel Hospice relies on the contribution of volunteers across its clinical services, from supporting patients and families in its In-Patient Unit to assisting in the delivery of its Living Well with Isabel groups and therapies.
The Hospice hopes Prof Walshe’s talk will appeal to anyone with an interest in end-of-life care or those considering becoming a volunteer.
Isabel’s volunteering engagement lead Caroline Baynes said: “Join us as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations as Catherine Walshe presents contemporary research exploring issues associated with palliative care volunteering. She will draw from a range of studies that she has been involved with, including the first randomised controlled trial of hospice volunteers, right through to recent research exploring the contribution and deployment of hospice volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
‘Exploring Volunteering in Palliative Care: The Research – Past, Present and Future’ is being held via Zoom starting at 4.30pm. It can be booked here.
Ash Valley Community Hub based at Little Hadham village hall will also be streaming the event and will be welcoming people from 3pm onwards for light refreshments prior to the screening. To reserve your seat, contact Isabel volunteer Claire Uwins at claire.uwins@mac.com or 07595 674241.
