Palliative Care ACT is a representative voice for palliative care in the Australian Capital Territory. Formed in 1985, we are a non-government, not for profit community-based organisation, a registered charity and a founding member of the national peak body, Palliative Care Australia. Our mission is to influence, foster and promote the delivery of quality care at end-of-life for all and to offer compassion and support to those with a life-limiting illness, their carers and families. We aim to: 

• Promote palliative care in the community 
• Provide education in aspects of palliative care
• Deliver volunteer palliative care services to support clients and their families with care, compassion, respect and dignity
• Advocate for, and promote the best quality palliative care services
• Support other like-minded organisations through partnerships and collaboration.

How your donation will help

In January 2021, Palliative Care ACT opened the door to Leo's Place - a home-away-from-home for people with a life-limiting illness and/or their carers to come for respite. Most people with a life-limiting illness want to remain in their own home for as long as possible, and caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can be both rewarding and demanding – for the carer and their loved one. For many, it is a privilege and it strengthens relationships. However, it can also be incredibly challenging at a time when people are at their most vulnerable.

Many carers willingly put all their time and energy into caring for their loved one, but this can result in fatigue and isolation over time. Supporting people to achieve their goal of staying at home for as long as possible requires better support of those taking on the caring role. In recognition of this, Palliative Care ACT is now offering non-clinical respite for people with a life-limiting illness and their carers. To make this service available more quickly, a rental property is being used. Since opening its doors last year, Palliative Care ACT has provided nearly 7000 hours of respite to families in need. This will only increase as more families hear about it.

Our ultimate goal is to build a purpose-built home that still looks and feels just like a home but has a few necessary 'touches' to support our guests.