Compassionate Inverclyde seeks helping hands for NODA, its No-one Dies Alone project. Trained volunteers support those nearing the end of life, and families.
Muriel Searl, a retired nurse, volunteers there. She’s worked with them for seven years. She handles the NODA project contacts. Muriel interviews and trains new volunteers. She believes most know why they want to help. Maturity is important for volunteers, she says.
Volunteers support not only people dying, but also their families through hard times. Muriel shared a story about a lady and her mom. The daughter needed a break, so Muriel stepped in. The daughter trusted Muriel with her mother’s care. Reassurance is a huge part of what they offer; people really trust the volunteers.
Support happens at home or in care facilities. It also happens in hospitals. Sometimes, volunteers attend funerals. Alison Bunce founded Compassionate Inverclyde. She introduced Muriel to a comforted man’s daughter. The daughter held Muriel’s hand tightly for comfort.
Muriel recalled sitting with a man at sunset once. She described the sunset as he passed away. It was a very moving experience for her. Morag Welsh, a retired teacher, joined NODA after seeing an ad and signing up two years ago.
She volunteered because of her own losses. She experienced loved ones dying at home and in a hospital. Morag’s family had lot of help, but she said, not everyone has that. Caring for her mom at home was hard.
It was emotionally and physically draining. Volunteers need a desire to help, she feels. You learn a lot after you have some experience. Being with someone at their end is a privilege.
Compassionate Inverclyde had an information day at the Wyllieum gallery in Greenock. People learned about their various projects there. NODA is just one initiative they run. They also have Back Home Boxes and Visitors. They always need help with fundraising too. They want to cover the costs of all their good work. The event gave people a chance to meet and ask questions.
