Committee members sought for Compassionate Hearts oversight

A BELLARINE volunteer support not-for-profit is urging locals to consider joining its organisation with a new training program to commence in the coming weeks.

Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine (CHOTB) has provided support for ill persons and their carers for over four years in region.

Now, the community group is in search of new committee members with prior committee or board experience to help with initiative’s oversight moving forward.

Compassionate Hearts chairperson Pauline Nunan says caring for a dying relative at home is on the most difficult jobs imaginable, but if supported properly by organisations like Compassionate Hearts, it can also be the most rewarding.

“The Committee of Management is also currently seeking new members who have previous Committee or Board experience and who would like to contribute to overseeing this valuable community organisation,” Ms Nunan said.

“Areas of knowledge such as governance, funding applications, secretarial and financial skills, social work and health experience, communications and social media are all welcome.”

Compassionate Hearts works closely with Bellarine Community Health’s Palliative Care Team for referrals and has assisted 37 people in the past two years. Referrals can also come from other medical service organisations.

“Trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to families in addition to the palliative support provided by the medical profession,” Ms Nunan said.

“Many organisations have recognised this value to the community and have donated monetary support to Compassionate Hearts for costs such as insurance and training.”

Compassionate Hearts will be commencing its new volunteer training program from October 12 and will run it for four Thursday mornings in a row.

The volunteer coordinator will then match volunteers with a dying person or their carer who is in need of support. Compassionate Hearts volunteers usually visit once a week.

For more information about Compassionate hearts on the Bellarine, contact Ms Nunan via [email protected] or check out the website at www.chob.org.au