Juniper Pastoral Care Volunteer, John Dendy, was awarded a scholarship to attend the National Palliative Care Volunteer Conference, one step–one word–one heart.

End of life care with Juniper includes palliation which is provided with the utmost empathy, respect, and compassion, and for John Dendy, his one wish is for everybody to be heard.

“For over three years I have had the greatest privilege of helping some of Juniper’s clients in their final journey. I have been there when they have taken their last breath, and it is one of life’s greatest honours.”

“It’s very important to just accept how people are, what their vulnerabilities are in this world, and to never pass judgement,” said John.

John’s role as a Pastoral Care Volunteer is an extra layer of support to the client and their family to help maximise their quality of life. The Palliative Care Volunteer Conference provided John with the opportunity to share his own experiences as well as learn diverse and innovative approaches.

“It is so important to look around and listen to anyone who is in their final stages of life. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone wants to be heard.”

“My one wish for National Palliative Care Week is for those who know someone in palliative care to sit with them and listen, because tomorrow may be too late to hear their story.”

National Palliative Care Week, held from 22 – 28 May 2022, is Australia’s largest annual awareness-raising initiative held to increase understanding of the many benefits of palliative care. This year’s theme is – It is your right, which seeks to raise awareness about the rights of all Australians to access high-quality palliative care when and where they need it.

For more information on Palliative Care at Juniper click here.