On 4 September 2024, Barwon Health held a celebration for the tenth anniversary of their world-first volunteer-based Dignity Therapy program.
Program staff and volunteers, past and present, as well as staff who have supported the program, gathered to reminisce, celebrate achievements, and hear of unfolding plans for the expansion of the program. Also present was Sue White, chair of Geelong Hospice Foundation, whose generous support is currently funding a special Dignity Therapy program manager role.
Dignity therapy is a form of therapy that addresses psychological, existential and spiritual challenges for palliative care patients. It invites patients to reflect upon memories of key aspects of their life and its significance to them and the messages they want to share with loved ones.
Beginning in June 2012 with spiritual care worker Russell Armstrong, the program launched in its current form in September 2014 with training of the first volunteer Dignity Therapists. Over 300 palliative care patients have now had their life reflections skilfully and sensitively recorded and edited for sharing with chosen family and friends.
As the grateful recipient of one Life Reflections legacy book shared, “No drug could give [mum] the high, the hope or the voice that the Dignity Therapy program did... What the program did for us as a family is still seen, felt, spoken and laughed about.”
Barwon Health Dignity Therapy Program staff and volunteers, past and present, gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary
"This event was a tribute to the program's dedication to helping individuals at the end of life find meaning and create lasting legacies," said Russell. "The celebration was filled with memorable stories and shared experiences that highlighted the enduring value of their work and the positive difference they've made over the years."
Dignity Therapy is available for patients on the palliative care program through either Community Palliative Care, Palliative Care At Home or the Palliative Care Unit. Patients on the program can ask to participate through any of their palliative care treating teams or by contacting the palliative care resource worker via (03) 4215 5700.
This video from 2018, beautifully captures the potential of Dignity Therapy. Thank you to program participant Bruno and volunteer Keith Fagg.
View video here