Hospice volunteers needed

HELPING HANDS—Volunteer Martha Progluske, left, came to hospice five years ago to serve the terminally ill and their families. Hospice of the Conejo will begin a new volunteer training program on Wednesdays, starting in September, in the conference room at 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The dates are Sept. 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The cost is a $30 materials fee.

Volunteers provide comfort and dignity to those with a lifethreatening illness and ongoing support to loved ones.

Volunteers also provide companionship and support for the bereaved and for the infirm and homebound.

Volunteers might hold a hand, listen, take a person to their favorite place in the park, read, write a letter, run errands, walk a dog, or provide respite when a family member needs a break.

Volunteers also remain with the family and friends after their loved one has died to provide bereavement support.

Some volunteers prefer to help out in the hospice office or participate in special projects.

For more information, call the hospice office at (805) 4952145.