Healthcare institutions widen youth volunteers’ roles with para-clinical training
published by Channel NewsAsia on February 20, 2026
Extract from article:
EASING THE WORKLOAD
At Assisi Hospice, youth volunteer Chloe Sin, who supports patients in the final stage of their lives, says her work is driven by deeply personal reasons.
“When my dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was 11, I was exposed from a young age to the importance of connection, empathy and emotional support during times of crisis,” said the 19-year-old.
“So I really decided to serve in a hospice because the experience drew me closer to palliative care.”
Volunteer numbers at the hospice – located along Thomson Road – have grown steadily to about 520, with youths making up 37 per cent of the pool.
In recent years, it has expanded its training for volunteers to include specific clinical skills for some roles – for example, dysphagia training for volunteers in food-related programmes like Food Buddy and Treat Trolley.
This has helped ease the workload of staff, said the hospice.
“Our volunteers are trained to support our nurses in a lot of service-based delivery of care for patients,” said Ms Lee Tien Sin, senior manager of volunteer management at Assisi Hospice.
“That includes even things like diaper changing, sponging of patients to keep them comfortable and clean, and the unhurried companionship which they appreciate.”
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