Volunteers provide supportive care by helping in a variety of ways that may include:

• Maintaining the Musical instruments with supplies for carer/patient activities

• Play a musical instrument such as keyboard, guitar, violin or harp

• Offering and suggesting music suitable for patients in their rooms

• Providing companionship to the patient or their primary carer through music

Benefits: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work within a sacred space only available to few people. It is a special personal space. Volunteers will witness first hand the magic that music can bring to a patient and their families at a time when words can be difficult. Whilst this can be of value to volunteers it also need to be noted that being in the presence of someone who is at the end of life can be confronting and difficult for some people.

Also Volunteers are chosen for their:

• Ability to play a musical instrument suitable to Palliative Care Patients

• Empathy and understanding

• Emotional maturity

• Acceptance of other people’s philosophies, beliefs and values

• Ability to respect confidentiality

• Willingness to commit to approximately 4 hours volunteer work each week

• High level of communication skills