This week is Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu - National Volunteer Week and the theme is, ‘Te Hua o te Mahi Tahi - the benefit of working together.

Louise Weatherall, Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Canterbury Clinical Network Community Respiratory Service couldn’t imagine life without the volunteers, who do so much for the service and their programme participants with breathing issues. 

“There are 22 volunteers who are active in everything we do. They help with designing our service, reviewing patient resources, running coffee and exercise groups, and are members of the Integrated Respiratory Service Development Group, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Working Group and Better Breathing Consumer Group,” says Louise. 

The coffee and exercise groups went from one to ten groups across the region and many are run by volunteers. As well as the exercise and education, it’s also about sharing stories and the social aspect. 

“They are all so active and motivated. During the recent Covid-19 response the group leaders used their own initiative to keep in touch with their group members via numerous phone calls.” 

The volunteers share their stories to motivate others in the rehabilitation programmes, through their consumer quarterly newsletter, and at conferences with the Respiratory Service team members. 

“They are excellent role models by showing others how to improve their lives through exercise.” 

“Seven years ago we invited some consumers to one of our meetings and we have never looked back. The group are great team players and it just took off from this first meeting.”

“They’re not separate from the team, they’re part of the team and add real value through their voice and help. We will never take them for granted.”

Thank you and happy Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu - National Volunteer Week. #NVW2020

The below poster includes messages and quotes from the Community Respiratory Service team.