Caring for people at the end of their life is an important responsibility.
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For the volunteers of the Northern Specialist Palliative Care Service, it's also a commitment to providing practical and emotional support to patients and their families in what's often a very challenging time.
The effort of the group were recently recognised, taking out the outstanding palliative care organisation category at the 2020 Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards.
The Palliative Care North Auxiliary also won the outstanding palliative care advocate award, while one of the group's members, Margot Watson, was recognised as runner-up in the outstanding palliative care volunteer or carer category.
The awards acknowledge those within the palliative care sector who have stood out in their field.
For Ms Watson, who previously worked as a hospice nurse in Sydney, the recognition was not necessary, but it was appreciated.
"You don't look for recognition in these types of role, but it's just nice to have people notice," she said.
"And it's not for me, it's for the people that you help. It also helps bring palliative care out into the notice of the community.
"Most people don't even know what palliative care is. There is a lot of misconceptions about palliative care in the community, I feel."
The Volunteer Support Service has been assisting clients living with a limited illness across the state's North for more than 30 years.
Their role varies from providing confidential, individualised holistic care with emotional and practical support, enabling many people and families with end of life care to remain within their own homes.
Similarly the auxiliary, with about 11 members, is made up of volunteers or surviving family members of people who have received support from the Volunteer Support Service.
Ms Watson said it wasn't a job for everyone, but it was an important role to play.
"When I worked in hospice, we used to have seven deaths a night. I was used to dealing with people who had passed - the dead," she said.
"I know it's a very specialised occupation, so that's why I thought I could be some use when I came here [Tasmania].
"But you get a great satisfaction. I get great satisfaction out of helping anyone."
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
