Community Projects
MENTORING
Mentoring of smaller organisations. As Naledi Hospice is now an established NGO that has experienced all the problems that emerging groups go and grow through; we mentor and support nine smaller NGOs and CBOs, especially in the southern Free State, where there are few resources. Support and advice is also provided to the Anglican Diocese of Bloemfontein, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bloemfontein, as well as other faith- based groups and churches.
ORPHAN CARE
Care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children. HIV and AIDS increase the vulnerability of children; and is responsible for a rapidly increasing number of orphans. In 1999 our senior Orphan and Vulnerable Child (OVC) coordinator was appointed to focus specifically on the needs of these children, assist the families and caregivers, and help to access grants and social support. He also helps children to be admitted to schools; and refers children to the Day Care programmes or to other members of the interdisciplinary team, or to other resources. He is assisted by a nurse, social worker, and OVC coordinators in Botshabelo and Ladybrand.
COUNSELING
Bereavement support. Adults receive individual bereavement support through counselling and follow-up visits, and through attending the Day Care support groups.
Children are assisted through the Memory Book project - parents who have an incurable illness fill in a special book for their children to keep, informing them of their family, especially their parents, and writing of their dreams for each child. The child also has pages to fill in or draw in to make it a personal sign of belonging to their family, and a visible sign that they were loved by their parent/s. A beautiful field of sunflowers was painted on a wall at Sunflower House, by local artists, and is the Wall of Remembrance for children who have died on the hospice programme. Annual Memorial Services allow families and staff to remember their loved ones who have died.
HIV/AIDS PREVENTION
Prevention programmes. It has been shown in studies that home-based care programmes are effective in educating on prevention of AIDS.
The education projects that target young people and children also emphasise prevention and life skills, so that children learn to respect their bodies; say "NO" and Run, Yell and Tell.
In the Day Care programmes children are also taught these life skills; to respect themselves and to respect others. Although it is impossible to evaluate the effect of these programmes as the time-frame is too short, children are developing self-confidence and self-respect.
RESEARCH
Naledi Hospice assisted the Department of Health: HIV/AIDS directorate with a three-in- one research project to develop a curriculum for community care givers; to develop and evaluate a model of home-based care; and to develop standards and guidelines for palliative care in South Africa.
Research has recently been completed by The St Nicholas Children's Hospice to develop a model to identify CINDI (children in distress) especially AIDS orphans and potential orphans, for Save the Children (UK).
Our hospice has been involved as a research site for a number of research projects.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Skills development and Job Creation. Naledi Hospice assists staff, volunteers and patients and their care givers to develop skills. Fifty lay people are now assisting within the programmes as Community Care Givers, since receiving training. Fifteen work full-time, and the rest assist as community volunteers, receiving a volunteer transport allowance. Others trained by this hospice have been enabled to find work in Old Age Homes; Frail Care units, and in private homes. Three have developed further skills as Community Trainers and three as OVC coordinators.
Ongoing in-service training keeps knowledge and skills updated.
Patients who wish to attend the Sunflower Workshop learn simple crafts and are able to earn a small extra income.
PATIENT INVOLVEMENT
Involvement of PWAs (People living with HIV/AIDS). PWAs are involved through assisting in planning of their care; skills development; giving talks to various groups; training; and some are employed as community care givers, in the gardens and in Hospice House. Their involvement and enthusiasm are essential to the success of the programmes.
NETWORKING
Networking. Naledi Hospice networks extensively with organisations within the district; at provincial and national level; and with groups in the UK and the USA. Staff members and volunteers sit on a number of committees at all levels - local; provincial and national.
This networking enables us to provide a better holistic service to our patients, and share our skills and knowledge with others.
