Published on: May 30, 2025

The Volunteer Training Program (VTP) is a free, in-person training for anyone who is interested in learning about palliative care and joining our volunteer community. Through engaging sessions, real-life reflections, and shared experiences, the program aims to build awareness, compassion, and essential skills in providing quality palliative care. 

Pallium India recently conducted a two-day Volunteer Training Program (VTP) for a diverse group of 17 participants — including  new volunteers,  interns, pharmacists, nurses, social officers, and  caregiver of an inpatient. The Training Program took place on 24th & 25th May (Saturday-Sunday) 2025, at the Pallium India Facility in Trivandrum.

Organised and Conducted by the Community Engagement and Social Work Department of Pallium India, the program was scheduled over two days covering some key components in Palliative Care. The training was delivered in Malayalam from 10 am in the morning till 5 pm in the evening. Here is a highlights of the two days:

Day 1 – Foundations of Care

• Introduction to Palliative Care – Ms. Angel Augustine (Social Officer) shared how palliative care goes beyond curing — it is about relieving suffering and improving quality of life.
• Institutional Services & Home Care – Ms. Devika Rajendran (Social Officer) explained how Pallium India’s care extends beyond hospital walls, reaching patients and families through various forms of support.
• Community Outreach – Mr. Ali Ansif K M (Social Officer) introduced SIPC (Student Initiative in Palliative Care) and explained the various community engagement and outreach programs led by Pallium India to build awareness and volunteer support across different groups.
• Total Pain – Dr. Greeshma guided the group through understanding “Total Pain,” including its Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, and Financial dimensions.
• Basic Nursing Care – Sr. Lekshmi demonstrated the importance of hygiene, safe handling, and patient comfort in caregiving.
  
  The day concluded with a recap and reflection session led by Mr. Ali Ansif, encouraging participants to share key learning and personal insights.

Day 2 – Empathy in Action

• Communication in Palliative Care – Ms. Devika Rajendran (Social Officer) led an insightful session on the power of listening, empathy, and  non-verbal cues in patient interactions.
• Patient Story & Group Discussion – Mr. Ali Ansif and Mr. Shijo Kurian (Community Social Officers) facilitated a group activity with real-life cases. Teams identified challenges faced by patients and families and discussed how volunteers can support with compassion.
• Role of Volunteers in Palliative Care – The most touching moment of the day came from Mr. Balachandran, a dedicated volunteer, who shared his personal journey. His heartfelt words gave everyone a deeper understanding of what it means to be present for someone in their time of suffering.
• Log Book Introduction – Ms. Sadiya Bathul walked participants through how to document their volunteer journey.

The day concluded with a heartfelt closing session by Mr. Shijo Kurian, summarizing the takeaways and encouraging participants to carry the spirit of palliative care into their volunteer roles.

Way Forward

As part of the training follow-up, all participants have been provided with a logbook, where they are expected to complete two patient entries and two days of home care experience. Once these tasks are completed, we plan to host a half-day experience sharing session, where everyone can come together again and reflect on their learning and real-world experiences. (The date for this session will be announced later.)

This two-day journey wasn’t just about learning procedures—it was about understanding people. It reminded all of us that palliative care is rooted in compassion, connection, and community. And sometimes,to be there for those who need us most, with empathy and care.

A heartfelt thank you to all our facilitators for delivering such meaningful sessions and insights. Your guidance has inspired and equipped our volunteers and staff to walk with patients and families through their journey. Also thanks to everyone who participated and shared,  which reminded us that volunteering in palliative care is about presence, not perfection.

Documented by: Ali Ansif (Social Officer, Pallium India) and Ardhra S Lal (Intern, Pallium India)