Volunteering With Us

The Medical Social Work team provides a therapeutic and support service to all patients and families under our care. When someone is living with a serious illness, everyone in the family is affected. Our support extends beyond the treatment of physical symptoms to consider the social, emotional and psychological needs of patients, families, their friends and carers.

Patient

We recognise that each person’s experience of illness is different. We can support you, your family and friends to talk through thoughts and feelings about illness, life changes and practical issues.  We promote the strengths and coping skills for you and your family in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

Carers

A carer or young carer is someone looking after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness. Every caring role is different. Becoming a carer can happen gradually or very suddenly and can last for days or years. Carers can avail of the Carer Support Needs Assessment tool (CSNAT) to identify their own needs.

Children & Young People

Patients and families with life-limiting illnesses often look to professionals for advice and reassurance on how to talk to their children/ grandchildren about their illness. We offer individual support /one-to-one counselling and therapeutic work with families.
When a child is under the care of Galway Hospice, we support the child, parents, siblings and family members. We offer a holistic and child-centred approach to children and families

Keepsake & Memory Work

We support patients and their families with Keepsake and Memory work to reflect on their lives and engage in memory making activities. This may include photobooks, audio-recordings, videos, creating a family sculpture, jewellery making, writing letters or memorable family events.

Planning for Tomorrow

As part of the Multidisciplinary team, Medical Social workers advocate and liaise on your behalf with carers and all relevant persons involved in your care. A family meeting (where appropriate) is an opportunity to update you and your family or significant others on your illness, care plan and future care needs. We assist with communication, decision making and advance care planning. Think Ahead is a practical tool which helps you document your healthcare choices and personal wishes.

Click here to learn more about Think Ahead on the Hospice Foundation website.

How to Access the Service

The Medical Social Work Department provides a free service to Adults, Children and Families who are under the care of Galway Hospice Governed Service.

Keepsake & Memory Work

We support patients and their families with Keepsake and Memory work to reflect on their lives and engage in memory making activities. This may include photobooks, audio-recordings, videos, creating a family sculpture, fingerprinting, jewellery making, writing letters or memorable family events.

Planning for Tomorrow

As part of the Multidisciplinary team, Medical Social workers advocate and liaise on your behalf with carers and all relevant persons involved in your care. A family meeting (where appropriate) is an opportunity to update you and your family or significant others on your illness, care plan and future care needs. We assist with communication, decision making and advance care planning. Think Ahead is a practical tool which helps you document your healthcare choices and personal wishes.

Click here to learn more about Think Ahead on the Hospice Foundation website.

Click here to learn more about the Decision Support Service on their website.

How to access the service

The Medical Social Work Department provides a free service to Adults, Children and Families who are under the care of Galway Hospice Governed Service.

Please download our information leaflet.

Medical Social Work Resources

Bereavement Support Services

The Medical Social Work Department provides a Bereavement Support to Adults, Children and Families who have been bereaved by the loss of someone under our care.