Last week (amongst other things, we had something on every weekday!) Kilbarchan group welcomed Muriel Searl MBE to talk to us about the work carried out by a charity she is heavily involved with called “Compassionate Inverclyde”.
The main focus of Muriel’s talk was about their “NODA” No-one Dies Alone service. This wonderful service provides experienced volunteers who help people by being there in their final hours whether in hospital/hospice or at home and also offering a break and support to those with families who need it.
Muriel spoke about the training given, the difficulties during lockdown and the great sense of privilege she felt at being with someone at the end of their life. This service is being rolled out to other areas eg Ayrshire but always requires many volunteers to cover what can sometimes last for days if not weeks.
The charity also provides Back Home boxes and Back Home visitors to patients being discharged home with no-one to help them initially.
During lockdown the charity provided Isolation boxes and delivered prescriptions where required.
It was heartening to see Muriel’s obvious enthusiasm for her work. An enjoyable and thought provoking evening.
Thank you Irene (pictured right, with Muriel) for hosting.
More information can be found in the links below.
https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/23258463.former-nurse-appeals-volunteers-sit-patients/
https://www.goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk/content/toolkit_noone_dies_alone/