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The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, November 30,1996 13 by Laura J. Richards Hospice Durham is an organization organization which gives emotional emotional support to those with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers. But, to do this, volunteers are needed. Volunteers help families by providing companionship. And, depending on the circumstances, circumstances, they may assist with the running of errands, recreation, child care, light meal preparation and crafts or transportation. Cheryl Macleod, Executive Executive Director of "Hospice Durham, Durham, says: "Hospice Durham provides critical help for not just the elderly but for families, families, especially those who have no extended family in the area." Volunteers give their time to help those going through rough times Volunteers give their time to help those who are going through rough times by assisting assisting "in a non-intrusive way," says Kathryn Roberts, a Volunteer Coordinator with Hospice Durham. She noted one volunteer recalled that her client's child was at loose ends over what was going on. So, the volunteer volunteer took the child berry picking. picking. "The child was taken out for a little bit of fun" -- something that may have been lacking in that child's life, Roberts said. Hospice Durham volunteers volunteers help individuals live their life as best they can in the time the clients have. They are a breed of people who are compassionate and able to give emotional support support to a client facing a life- threatening illness and to the family or caregivers. Roberts noted another volunteer volunteer took the time to read a book into a tape recorder for her client who was an avid reader, but could no longer do that. "Volunteers are creative in ways you can't predict," Macleod said. They become the extended family and bring an opportunity opportunity for learning and emotional emotional support for the caregiver caregiver and client, she stated. That is why it is "crucial" that a good match is made between between a volunteer and client. Hospice Durham is not just about providing emotional emotional support, though. Roberts noted there , is a collaborative effort which takes place between between a* multi-disciplinary team, of which volunteers become become members. The training to become a volunteer is 24-hours in length and can be done in either either eight evening session of three hours each, or four Saturdays Saturdays in six-hour sessions. Some of the issues covered covered in training sessions arc family dynamics, AIDS, multicultural multicultural issues, a visit from a funeral director and role- playing. Currently, there are 83 volunteers across Durham Region, Macleod . said. In Clarington, all 19 volunteers are actively involved with a client. Roberts noted after a client dies "we encourage our volunteers to go to the funeral funeral and remain as a support to the family afterwards." Roberts also said after a terminally ill client has died, the volunteer is given some 'off' time, if he or she requests requests it. The issue of confidentiali- Cheryl Macleod ty is important to both families families and volunteers, as is the idea of only going to a person's person's home if they have requested requested a volunteer. Macleod said there are always always requests that Hospice Durham volunteers visit because because a neighbour thinks it would be a good idea. But, the choice is left with the individual individual and/or the family. "We don't go unless we have permission. We allow our client to have as much control as possible," Macleod said. The emphasis is to allow and give as much quality as one can to another's life. Hospice Durham does not charge for its volunteers' visits, visits, and a doctor's referral is not needed. To call Macleod to become become a volunteer, or because you need a volunteer the number is 435-5242. Roberts can be contacted at 623-3691. The next volunteer training training sessions begin on Saturday, Saturday, Jan. 25, Feb. 1,8, and 15 at Memorial Hospital Bowmanville. Bowmanville. Kathryn Roberts Value Priced at your Chevrolet Oldsmobile Store 1997 Cavalier Coupe 1996 Chevy Blazer ■1996 Chevy Cheyenne Regular Cab