As a Biography Volunteer with Southern Adelaide Palliative Service (SAPS), you will help patients record and preserve their life stories for themselves and their families. The role involves visiting a patient at home once a week for 4-6 weeks, listening with empathy, and guiding them through the storytelling process. Volunteers then transcribe and edit recordings (2-4 hours weekly) with support from the Biography Team Leader. biographies may capture a while life, a special event, or reflections, and can include photos, poems, or artwork. This role requires emotional maturity, computer skills, and a genuine interest in people's stories.

A Biography Volunteer is to support patients in documenting their life stories, creating a treasured legacy for themselves and their families.

Key Responsibilities include: Visit patients at home once a week 4-6 weeks to conduct a biography session. Listen with empathy and guide patients through sharing their memories, experiences, and reflections. Record and transcribe patient stories accurately and sensitively Edit drafts with ongoing support and direction from the Biography Team Leader. Publish the final approved biography, which may include additional material such as photos, poems, artwork, or song lyrics. Respect patient confidentiality and ensure the client remains in charge of the biography's focus and direction.

Time Commitment Weekly home visits: approx 1 hour per session Transcribing and editing: 2-4 hours per session A full biography typically requires 4-6 weeks to complete

Skills & Attributes Good listening and communication skills. Emotional maturity and comfort in sitting with patients who may be very unwell. Competence with computers for transcribing and editing. Interest in people' stories and sensitivity to diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Training & Support Orientation and palliative care training provided. Ongoing support and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator and Biography Team Leader.

The biography service offers patients the chance to reflect, connect and leave a meaningful legacy. Biographies can take many forms - from traditional narratives to scrapbook-style collections and are always directed by the client. This role enriches the patient's experience, provides comfort and dignity, and creates a lasting gift for families and future generations.