Everyone has a story to tell (October, 2007)
Everyone has a story to tell, and when we get to the end of our lives however long or short – there are memories and milestones to recall and celebrate...
As part of its services Arohanui Hospice offers patients the chance to have a mini "biography" written. This becomes a precious resource for family and friends in the years to come. Some patients record full memories of their life, while others write letters to their family, or recall events that stand out for them.
The biography service operates under the direction of the hospice's Day Stay Co-ordinator, Faye Lloyd. A group of trained volunteers assist in recording patients' life stories and have them produced to share with family and friends. Patients are interviewed by our biography volunteers, then the finished product is typed up, illustrated with copies of photos or other documents and presented as a booklet.
The biography service is free to patients, and includes two copies of the finished document. This not only gives patients the chance to record their life history, it also provides an opportunity to pass on information, leave a written message or tribute, share the stories that have meant something and reflect on their life.
Biography volunteer Bridget Collier said she found her role very rewarding "The first reaction most people have when we get started is ‘I really haven't done anything very exciting' or ‘my life story is going to be pretty boring' but as we get into things their stories develop and by the end of the process they are just loving it. Once people get talking their stories are just fascinating."
