About Calvary and the Life Stories Program: Calvary is a national provider of health, community and aged care services operating in six states and territories. Calvary continues the mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, a mission focused on caring for those who are sick, dying and in need. We express our values of hospitality, healing, stewardship and respect through “being for others” exemplified by the Spirit of Calvary and the example of Venerable Mary Potter.

The Life Stories Program is funded by the Mary Potter Foundation and HPS Pharmacies. It was established in 2007 and offers palliative care patients the opportunity to record their life story. One of the key principles underpinning our program is the belief that the process of telling one’s story can be therapeutic, life-affirming, and assist in improving a person’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The published story is simply a bonus.

The program consists of trained volunteer Story Recorders who visit patients in the Mary Potter Hospice, Calvary Hospitals, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Community. Over a maximum of six one-hour sessions the patient’s voice is recorded then transcribed, lightly edited and read back to the patient. One hour of voice recording can take up to four hours to transcribe, then the document is edited, formatted, and photos are added if desired. Upon completion patients receive two bound copies of their story plus a USB containing the PDF file.

For each story, StoryRecorders are assigned an experienced mentor who will answer questions, provide support, help debrief, and review story drafts, as part of our quality assurance process. Working with a mentor also ensures Story Recorders maintain focus on self-care and professional boundaries.

Benefits This is an excellent opportunity to be a part of a leading mission based health care organisation. We offer a rich and varied volunteer experience that is highly valued by staff, patients and their loved ones. We celebrate the contribution of our volunteers with formal and social events, training opportunities and regular feedback.

What you bring • Willing to work in a palliative care environment • Ability to listen without judgement • Flexibility with time • Excellent organisation and interpersonal skills • Good word processing, email and editing skills are essential

How to join the team • To apply to join our diverse, compassionate and dedicated team for a rewarding volunteer experience, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren Moore, via the Apply button for the application form. • Applications close at 8am on Monday 28th September. • Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview and if successful, attend both a Calvary and Hospital orientation session and a 5 day Life Stories Program training course prior to commencing in the role.

All volunteers must complete a national police and working with children check (at Calvary’s cost) and mandatory annual training. All volunteers are bound by strict privacy and confidentiality guidelines. Story Recorders are also required to attend several meetings and information sessions each year, and there is a minimum requirement to complete at least two biographies in a 12-month period.