Mid-Hunter Palliative Care Volunteers, which comprises about 15 members in Cessnock and 15 in Singleton, provide support, companionship and relief to people with any life-limiting illness (not just cancer) and their families.

The volunteers come from all parts of the community and are trained with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to provide support to people at this stage of their lives.

“There are people who feel like they can’t talk about when they’re not going to be there anymore because it might upset their family,” volunteer Kim Hale said.

“It’s a very important service, it would be absolutely tragic if we were to lose it,” volunteer Ingrid Kordonis added.

The service requires ongoing funding for running costs such as transport and to provide training to its volunteers.

It currently receives funding from Hunter New England Health through its NGO program, but coordinator Sue Pope said she is concerned about how proposed changes to the way non-government organisations are funded will affect them.

Ms. Pope said the group had previously received donations from a Hunter Valley mine that has since closed down.

She said the group would look to secure ongoing sponsorship or form a consortium with other health-related volunteer organisations if government funding did not continue.

Anyone who can help Mid-Hunter Palliative Care Volunteers should contact Sue Pope on 6572 2121 or office@midhunterpalcare.com.au.