Volunteers in Palliative Care
From my (MHHR) experience working in palliative care, I’ve come to realise how invaluable volunteers are. They bring more than just time—they bring heart, presence, and human connection. In a setting where resources are limited, their emotional support, practical help, and companionship become lifelines for patients and families navigating life-limiting illnesses. They complement medical services and extend care into places professionals alone cannot reach.
Volunteers in Compassionate Narayanganj
In our Compassionate Narayanganj project, volunteers are at the very core. Most of them are local residents who’ve stepped up with dedication and empathy. With orientation and training, they’ve become our extended hands and hearts in the community. Whether it’s sitting beside a sick child, listening to an elderly person’s worries, or helping a family cope with suffering, they do it all with sincerity and care.
Volunteer Recruitment and Visits
With only 15 staff members, it’s impossible to cover the vast area of Narayanganj without volunteers. That’s why, over the last three years, we’ve trained more than 200 volunteers. Many of them still stand by us, serving patients selflessly. Every day from Saturday to Thursday, we assign volunteers to visit patients alongside Palliative Care Assistants (PCAs). They’re contacted the day before through phone or our messenger group and arrive at the office by 10 a.m. to start the day’s visits.
Motivating and Coordinating Volunteers
Keeping volunteers motivated is part of my daily work. I call them, message them, and plan small creative initiatives with them—like drawing pictures, writing stories, cooking meals for patients, and many more. We also hold a monthly discussion meeting, where new ideas flow freely. I remember Mokhlesur Rahman expressing his wish to build a student group for patient care. Others suggested cooking khichuri (a dish made of rice and lentils) or distributing winter clothes. These are not just ideas—they turn into actions that touch lives.
Making Patients Happy
Volunteers have even taken initiatives to organize joyful events for our patients. One such festival was held on December 4, 2023, at Sheikh Russell Park. It was magical—special children and elderly patients came with their families, enjoyed games, food, and laughter. Another, the “Winter Cake Festival,” was organized on January 22, 2025. The joy on the patients’ faces that day made us feel like we were part of something bigger than ourselves. Most recently, on July 7, 2025, volunteers organised a Fruit Festival to share the abundance of seasonal fruits with patients and their families. It was a colorful, refreshing celebration filled with kindness and community spirit. Events like these may seem small, but the joy on our patients’ faces reminds us that we are all part of something greater—bringing hope and happiness to those who need it most.
Volunteer Support for Elderly Patients
I’ve witnessed many beautiful moments through our volunteers. One that stays with me is when we visited Aleya Begum, an elderly patient who hadn’t bathed in weeks. Her caregiver was too busy with work. I coordinated with three volunteers—Ahona, Maisha, and Panna—who gently bathed her. Aleya prayed for them with tearful eyes. Maisha later told me, “I’ve never done this even for my siblings. Her prayer touched me deeply. I want to keep doing this work.”
Support for Paediatric Patients
Our volunteers are especially close to children. Nahar, one of our special children, eagerly waits for Lamia, Ayesha, and Panna. They play with her, bring her small gifts, and even take her out in her wheelchair. It’s these small acts that bring immense happiness to her and her family.
Area-Based Volunteer Engagement
To ensure consistent support, we’ve mapped out area-based volunteers close to patients’ homes. This system allows for quicker response and better follow-up. If anything urgent arises, they can reach us immediately and we act without delay.
Volunteer Participation in Programmes
Our volunteers also help us run training and sensitization programmes. Whether it’s organising an event, coordinating logistics, or simply being present—they’re always there, adding value to everything we do.
Final Thoughts
To me, volunteers are the soul of Compassionate Narayanganj. They don’t ask for money or recognition—just a bit of love, respect, and a smile from our patients. They remind me every day that compassion still lives in communities, and that with unity and heart, we can care, heal, and restore dignity—one patient at a time.
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