A Celebration of Kindness in Palliative Care

Anyone who has someone they love die knows that Palliative Care teams can be worth their weight in gold. Palliative Care supports people with a life limiting illness and their families to live, die, and grieve well. Alongside specialist medical and holistic care - the kindness shown by Palliative Care teams is something so many of us cherish. 

How to participate

Hi everyone, we are so pleased to be starting this diary in Palliative Care week because palliative care is more than you think. We want to show you the power of good palliative care to transform the lives of people who are living with a terminal illness.   This can be highlighted by acts of kindness that happen within our communities. It may be as simple as someone dropping off homemade cookies, or as life-changing as completing a bucket list activity. This page is a place where we can capture these stories and empower others to offer kindness to someone with a life limiting illness or someone who is grieving. If you want to share a message with us, please email us. Thanks 
Jen, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator
​Mel, Clinical Nurse Consultant ​​

Gallery of Stories

“Melanie, I cannot thank you enough for having these bears made for all of my dad’s grandkids. All made from his jeans and tshirts. They will be cherished forever by the kids. Thank you so much to you Mel and the Palliative Care Unit for all the hard work you do.” Simone

“12 months ago you brought New Years Eve Sparklers to my husband as he wanted to see the fireworks.... the joy this simple caring act gave him in his last couple of days is a treasured memory. We are so blessed by your presence among the team” Marilyn (& Roger)

"Thank you so much to the 2 lovely men who came. Our yard and garden look sensational!" Palliative Care patient

Partners 

This Campaign is a collaboration between the Kindness Pandemic (part of Celebrate Ageing) and Barwon Health. For more information contact us: 

• The Kindness Pandemic, Dr Catherine Barrett: 0429582237 or email: info@thekindnesspandemic.org
• Jen Walsh, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator, Barwon Health: phone: or 03 4215 5700 or email: jennifer.walsh@barwonhealth.org.au
• Melanie Davies, Clinical Nurse Consultant Barwon Health Palliative Care, phone: 03 4215 5700 or email: Melanie.davies@barwonhealth.org.au

Support services 

Here is a list of services you might find useful: 

• Palliative Care Australia: https://palliativecare.org.au/
• ​The Groundswell project: https://www.thegroundswellproject.com/​
• Australian Centre for Grief & Bereavement: www.grief.org.au or 1800 642 066 (Australia Wide)
• GriefLine: www.griefline.org.au or 1300 845 745 (Australia Wide)
• Qlife Australia: https://qlife.org.au/Lifeline – Loss & Grief: www.lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14
• Australian Government: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/death-and-bereavement
• Gather My Crew: www.gathermycrew.org.au
  
• Contact your GP or Community Health Centre for Local Services