PSSA 2011 - Informal Group Category Award Winner

The Emerald Group

The Emerald Group, comprising 22 volunteers, has been serving in Dover Park Hospice (DPH) for more than a decade. With majority of the members aged 50 years and above, the group demonstrates the true spirit of volunteerism in action.

For the past 13 years, the Emerald Group has been dedicated to fulfilling the emotionally challenging task of giving meaning and improving the lives of patients in the hospice.

The group makes concerted efforts to accommodate and engage patients in activities that hold special meaning for them, such as bringing them to places that may bring back fond memories, while ensuring that these patients are given the appropriate physical and emotional care during their outings. Through the weekly outings for patients under palliative care piloted in 1998, patients have had the opportunities to explore various parts of Singapore and attend celebratory events such as the National Day Parade.

By establishing relationships with the patients in the hospice, the Emerald Group goes beyond offering their listening ear and words of comfort to the patients, and taking care of their emotional well-being. The group has also devoted their time in projects organised by DPH, such as Rose for Remembrance and the SUNday Walk. In 2010, Emerald Group has contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours to the hospice.

The group has also maintained a high standard of volunteer service with all members having to undergo stringent training in palliative care. They also organise quarterly meetings to share knowledge and working methods among the members, and mentorship is provided for the new members. Emerald Group’s service to DPH has made a meaningful difference to the lives of the patients.

PSSA 2011 winners: