Get Involved

Your Time, Your Heart, Their Comfort.

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At Nelspruit Hospice, community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you have time to give, skills to share, or a story to tell—your contribution can bring peace, dignity, and care to those facing life-threatening illness.

Why Get Involved?

Palliative care is not just about medicine—it’s about presence. Volunteers and supporters form a vital part of the care circle, offering the compassion, connection, and practical help that make our work possible. When you get involved, you become part of a compassionate movement, one that walks alongside patients and families when they need it most.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of meaningful roles based on your interests, availability, and background. Every contribution, no matter how small, has a ripple effect.

  • Companion Care: Spend time with patients—read to them, offer comfort, or simply sit in silence. Human presence can be deeply healing.

  • Caregiver Relief: Step in to give family caregivers a break. These small windows of rest are essential to their own well-being.

  • Fundraising & Events: Bring your energy and creativity to our markets, charity golf days, and community drives. Help turn compassion into action.

  • Maintenance & Logistics: Assist with practical needs like garden upkeep, facility repairs, or the delivery of beds and wheelchairs to patient homes.

  • Shop Support: Help sort, price, or sell donated goods at our Hospice Shop—where every purchase supports our services.

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Volunteer Training

All volunteers are guided through orientation and role-specific training. You’ll learn about:

  • Basic palliative care principles

  • Effective, respectful communication

  • Patient confidentiality and ethics

  • How to support people through grief, trauma, and end-of-life transitions

You’ll also be expected to uphold our Hospice Code of Conduct, rooted in empathy, dignity, and professionalism.

Become a Hospice Member

Membership is free, and it offers you a way to stay informed and actively engaged in the governance of Nelspruit Hospice.

  • Attend general meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

  • Receive updates and newsletters

  • Participate in decision-making processes

Whether you’re an active volunteer or a community supporter, your membership strengthens our voice and reach.

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Make a Referral

Caring for someone in need? We accept referrals from healthcare professionals, doctors, social workers, or clinics.

Here’s how it works:

  • Step 1: Referral is submitted to Nelspruit Hospice (by phone, email, or form)

  • Step 2: A professional nurse conducts a home assessment within 72 hours

  • Step 3: An individualised care plan is developed with input from doctors, social workers, and allied health practitioners

  • Step 4: Ongoing care visits and support are planned according to need

Families are never alone—we walk the journey together.

Share Your Skills

Not everyone can commit to weekly visits—and that’s okay! We welcome:

  • Pro bono services (legal, HR, design, printing, digital marketing)

  • Workplace volunteering partnerships

  • School/Youth group involvement

  • Guest speakers or trainers for workshops and Wellness Days

  • Donation drives (medical supplies, hygiene items, books, etc.)

Volunteer Voices

“The few hours I spend at Hospice each week have changed how I see life and death. It’s not just volunteering—it’s a calling.”

– Elsabe, Companion Care Volunteer​

“After my father passed, I wanted to give back. Helping organise the pop-up markets gave me a way to heal and honour his memory.”

– Thabo, Fundraising Volunteer

Make a Lasting Impact

No act of kindness is ever too small. Whether you:

  • Help once at an event

  • Join us every week

  • Share our message with others

You are helping create a world where no one faces their final journey alone.