Parliamentary secretary for volunteers and carers, MP Gabrielle Williams has launched free community education sessions to help inform the Greek community about the benefits of palliative care and how to access the services.
“We want the Greek community to know that palliative care is not just for the very end of life but can benefit people at different stages of their illness,” said the chair of Palliative Care Victoria Michael Bramwell.
“You and your families have choice and we encourage you to tell us what your wishes are so we can best meet your needs,” he said.
Hosted by the Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) as part of the Culturally Responsive Palliative Care Project, the service is aimed at educating families and carers on how to provide the best care and improve the quality of life for their loved ones living with a life-limiting illness such as heart disease, motor neurone disease and advanced dementia.
Furthermore, the project has highlighted the importance of providing more inclusive and culturally responsive services, so that people feel confident that their cultural needs are being respected.
To assist the project team in tailoring their sessions to the Greek Australian community and develop their bilingual course materials, the AGWS has played an integral role in providing advice and an insight into the needs and cultural practices of the community.
Jointly led with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, chairperson Eddie Micallef said: “This project raises awareness that palliative care is available to Greek people; that most options are free of charge and that services can be accessed to support families taking care of loved ones.”
Community groups who are interested in learning about palliative care can register for a session by contacting EECV on (03) 9349 4122.