Nau mai, Haere mai koutou katoa
Do you want to:
* Make a difference in someone's life during a vulnerable time?
* Gain an understanding of volunteering in healthcare and become a valuable member of the hospital team?
* Gain work experience which may benefit your career?
About the Kōwhai Programme
The Kowhai Programme trains volunteers to provide person-centred emotional tautoko/support and manaaki/practical assistance to patients in hospital. The programme also supports whānau/family or carers when they are unable to be with their loved ones or support patients without family support.
About the Kōwhai Companion Role
Please note this is a volunteer position and is unpaid. As a Kōwhai Companion, you will provide support similar to that usually provided by whānau or friends. This is a non-patient contact role and excludes any personal cares. You will learn about the patient's background, whānau, identity, preferences, and activities they enjoy to engage with them meaningfully.
Kōwhai Companions support patients experiencing memory and thinking problems such as delirium, dementia, or those who benefit from face-to-face companionship. This programme has been active at Burwood Hospital since January 2022.
What has been said about the Kōwhai Programme
"Being a Kōwhai Companion gives me purpose and reward beyond what I can adequately describe. I give my time and care to patients once a week and in return, I hear stories, see smiles, share laughs, and learn new life lessons. This programme has been more beneficial to me during my hospital stay than anything else. Having someone to take me outside gave me something to look forward to. I felt really happy knowing someone could be with Mum in the evenings, especially since she gets frightened and staff can't always be there. They are lovely people."
If you have two to three hours weekly, are willing to commit for a minimum of 6 months, and want to make a difference, apply now.
Contact & Application
For further information, contact Jane Kandhai, Programme Coordinator
Email: jane.kandhai@cdhb.health.nz
Phone: 021 374 987
To apply, please email jane.kandhai@cdhb.health.nz with:
* A CV and/or a letter about yourself
* Why you want to become a Kōwhai Companion
* What you will bring to the role
* Your availability
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