National Volunteer Week 2024 (20-26 May) is a timely reminder that giving back to others out of the goodness of one’s heart not only benefits recipients but also volunteers themselves - in a number of ways. Illawarra-based volunteer Peer Supporter for Red Nose Australia, Rachel Phillips, who understands firsthand what support bereaved parents may require, can testify that giving back can be deeply cathartic. 

People who consider volunteering as their primary source of personal achievement record higher well-being scores than those who view relationships, family, sport and work as their greatest source, according to the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index. Furthermore, as Phillips shares, volunteering for a particular charity of vested interest can prove profoundly healing. 

Phillips has been a Peer Support Volunteer for the Red Nose 24/7 Grief and Loss support phone line since November 2023. Her calling arose from the tragedy of having lost her baby girl, Rosie. Sadly, Rosie passed away in utero on 24 May 2022 at 32 ½ weeks gestation due to a cord accident.

Rachel and Tim holding Rosie.

“My amazing social worker from the Royal Hospital for Women mentioned the Red Nose Peer Support to me in the early days. While she was supporting me through my subsequent pregnancy, I asked her more about it. Once my youngest son was seven months old, I decided to apply. That was about 18 months post loss,” recalls Phillips.

“I decided to volunteer to honour my daughter, Rosie. Peer support is so important in helping bereaved families, and I felt like I wanted to give back to the bereaved community. It is a positive way to use my experience to help others facing baby or infant loss. Losing a baby can be so isolating. It’s incredibly rewarding when you hear the change in people’s voices from the beginning to the end of the conversation."

Phillips is well-supported by the organisation in turn, with access to training and an app for volunteers to air questions or concerns. Additionally, as Chief Executive Officer at Red Nose, Keren Ludski, assures, there is always someone available to debrief with or escalate things to if required. 

“Volunteers engage in intensive training to qualify as a Peer Supporter, and are assigned a mentor and always have access to one of the staff team for guidance or debriefing,” says Ludski. 

“Peer Support volunteers engage in ongoing training opportunities and refreshers, and are also a beautiful community of friendship and support to each other. There is always at least one volunteer and one bereavement services staff member per shift, and the platform we use allows the shift team to communicate and support each other throughout the shift.”

For Phillips, volunteering in this capacity has not only allowed her to demonstrate care and compassion toward fellow bereaved parents, but also process her own grief and acquire a sense of purpose out of hardship.

“I love having dedicated Rosie-time in a hectic time of our lives, as it is in her honour. Creating this space and time for her has also helped with my grief. Being able to use your lived experience to help others is an invaluable gift,” shares Phillips, who assures anyone is capable of volunteering in such a capacity.

Rachel, Tim and Family.

“I think the biggest words of encouragement are that ‘you can do it’. You don’t need to be a counsellor. You just need to listen, understand and link people with any support they may need. I was very worried about finding the time or being able to offer enough hours, but they are so accommodating and appreciative of any hours you can offer.”

Volunteering opportunities with Red Nose Australia

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone.’ There surely is. Chief Executive Officer at Red Nose, Keren Ludski, outlines the many ways in which potential volunteers can get on board to support this crucial cause, even from the comfort of their own home, including their Footprints-, Treasured Babies- and Heartstrings-programs. 

“Footprints volunteers across Australia establish and build meaningful connections with birthing hospitals and shared care GPs. We aim to have connections with every one of these across Australia. Our volunteers ensure these professionals have the latest information on safe sleep, safer pregnancy programs and knowledge on where to refer for good bereavement care,” explains Ludski. 

“There is definitely scope within the Kiama LGA/broader Illawarra region and we would be honoured for the community to help us take these important steps. Even just 10 hours a year can help save little lives and support bereaved families.”

The Treasured Babies Program, established in 2002, may be of particular interest to those who may wish to put their creative skills to use for the greater good to sew, knit, crochet and assemble precious handmade garments created from guidelines and patterns provided by Red Nose and keepsakes suitable for babies from 14 weeks gestation to full term. The program is also supported by volunteers at Men’s Shed, who build the Angel boxes.

“When a baby dies, there is often little warning, leaving parents in shock. Having access to the Treasured Baby items, which have been lovingly handmade, can reduce some of the stress at an incredibly traumatic time,” shares Ludski. 

Treasured Babies Volunteers (Credit - Red Nose).

The Heart Strings Card Writing Volunteer Group is another one of Red Nose’s offerings. This community membership program provides bereaved parents with beautiful cards handwritten to acknowledge family’s little ones in the lead up to their special dates of memory. Additionally, there are a broad range of other opportunities, from administrative through to assistance at events and baby expos and corporate volunteering. What might seem like a small contribution to a generous volunteer can make an immense difference to the lives of others.  

“This National Volunteer Week, I’d like to thank our hundreds of Red Nose volunteers who give their time so generously to our programs and those on our 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line. It is because of their incredible generosity that we are able to provide support to thousands of families around Australia. We are so grateful to you,” expresses Ludski. 

Keen to lend a hand? Red Nose runs regular volunteer information sessions, with the next being scheduled for 29 May, 26 June and 25 July 2024 at 7:30pm AEST. For further information, visit the Red Nose website, phone 1300 998 698 or email [email protected].