Hywel Dda University Health Board is looking for more volunteers to join its End of Life Volunteer Service, established last year to provide compassionate support and companionship to patients receiving palliative and end of life care, and their families.
The service complements the care provided by clinical teams, offering emotional, pastoral and practical support during one of life’s most challenging times. A key aim is to help ensure that no patient faces the end of their life alone.
For people whose loved ones may live far away, or who have limited support networks, volunteers provide companionship, reassurance and a comforting presence when it is needed most.
One of our volunteers, Michael Bassett said “I am often asked by friends and family if I enjoy my time volunteering at Ty Bryngwyn. I always reply that ‘enjoy’ is the wrong word as I feel privileged to spend time with patients who are sadly at the end of life.”
The role extends beyond bedside support. End of life volunteers help patients continue living as fully as possible by sharing meaningful conversations; providing companionship, supporting activities that bring comfort and joy; and helping create precious memories with loved ones. Sometimes, their most valuable contribution can be as simple as being there to listen, offer a hand to hold, or providing a calm and reassuring presence.
End of life volunteers currently support patients at Ty Bryngwyn Hospice and Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.
David Gravell, Specialist Palliative Care In-patient Unit Senior Charge Nurse said “The impact has already been significant. Volunteers have become a valued part of the wider care team, providing comfort, companionship and emotional support to patients and families, while enhancing the person-centred care delivered by clinical colleagues. Their contribution has been warmly welcomed by patients, relatives and staff alike, with many describing the service as making a meaningful difference during difficult and emotional circumstances.”
One relative said “It was lovely to arrive at the hospice and see my husband chatting and enjoying. The volunteers are lovely to talk to and always keen to help me with teas and coffees. Both volunteers I met were very intuitive, supportive and their company at times was a blessing.”
The Health Board is now keen to recruit additional volunteers to support palliative care services in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth.
Anyone interested in making a meaningful difference to patients and families during one of the most important stages of life is encouraged to get in touch to learn more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity by contacting our Future Workforce team on HDD.FutureWorkforceTeam@wales.nhs.uk
