What Does Volunteering at Leo’s Place Look Like?
Volunteering at Leo’s Place is about creating a sense of calm, comfort, and belonging for people living with a life-limiting illness and for those who care for them. It is a home away from home, and volunteers play an important role in helping it feel warm, supportive, and human during what can be a very challenging time.
As a volunteer at Leo’s Place, your support is offered in gentle, thoughtful ways and is always guided by the needs of each person and their carer. During day respite, this might look like spending time one-on-one with a guest, sitting together, listening, sharing conversation, or simply being present in quiet moments. Volunteers also help by providing companionship, activities and outings for guests enjoying respite at Leo’s Place, supporting moments of enjoyment, normality, and connection.
Volunteers help maintain a peaceful, welcoming environment. This could include offering reassurance, checking in with guests who may be unsettled, or supporting staff with simple tasks that help the space feel safe and homelike. Volunteers contribute to an atmosphere that is unhurried and compassionate, where people can rest and feel cared for.
Volunteers also support carers in meaningful ways. By spending time with their loved one, you help give carers a short but valuable break, time to rest, attend to their own needs, or simply breathe, knowing the person they care for is supported. You may also offer a listening ear or gentle encouragement, helping carers feel less alone.
Volunteering at Leo’s Place is about walking alongside people with empathy, respect, and dignity. Through your presence and care, you help create moments of comfort, connection, and relief for both guests and carers, making a genuine difference at a time when compassion matters most.
How to get involved
Getting started is simple:
- Complete a quick application form here
- Attend a pre-training interview
- Take part in our volunteer training course
- Begin volunteering with supported “buddy shifts” alongside experienced volunteers
If you’re looking for a way to give back that is truly impactful, volunteering with Palliative Care ACT offers the chance to make a lasting difference for others, and for yourself.
“It’s the tangibles and the relationships you establish, and the connections you make to people, that is the really rewarding thing” – Sarah, volunteer.
