Authors
- Helen Shepherd1,
- Toby Wallace1
- Melbourne Citymission1
2016
Excerpt
Gary was a 52 yr old man with a long-term history of homelessness, drug and alcohol
addiction and estrangement from his family. The diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer
added to the complexity in his care needs with multiple interfaces with many organisations.
Melbourne City Mission Palliative Care was engaged to work with Gary and other agencies in
his end of life care. When Gary articulated his need for practical assistance in “getting his
things into order”, volunteer Toby was allocated to support Gary. This presentation will
provide insights about how their relationship contributed to Toby’s emotional well-being and
the ongoing capacity to volunteer was maintained.
addiction and estrangement from his family. The diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer
added to the complexity in his care needs with multiple interfaces with many organisations.
Melbourne City Mission Palliative Care was engaged to work with Gary and other agencies in
his end of life care. When Gary articulated his need for practical assistance in “getting his
things into order”, volunteer Toby was allocated to support Gary. This presentation will
provide insights about how their relationship contributed to Toby’s emotional well-being and
the ongoing capacity to volunteer was maintained.