For Patient and Family Volunteer (PFV) Clayton, giving back has always been part of his life, and he has volunteered for many different causes over the years. “I think everyone should volunteer or donate or do something,” he says. “Otherwise, where are we going in this world if we don’t help each other out?”
Clayton joined Hospice West Auckland around a year and a half ago after seeing the PFV Life Review Programme listed on the Volunteering Auckland website. With a background in TV production and a postgraduate degree in journalism, he saw an opportunity to use those skills in a meaningful way.
“I’d always loved talking to my grandparents growing up and learning about their lives. You realise how quickly stories disappear. You can get forgotten in three generations,” he says. “So when I heard Hospice did life reviews, I thought – why not bring video into it? Seeing someone’s face, hearing their voice… that’s powerful.”
While many life reviews are written, Clayton saw the potential to expand the service. He works closely with patients who want to record their life stories, often filming in several sessions and later editing the material into a personalised video. Patients can choose whether they want a simple life-review film or also record special messages for future milestones like a 21st birthday or wedding. “These stories cover whole lifetimes — childhood memories, favourite people, what shaped them,” he says. “One lady I’m filming now told me about going to the long drop with a candle. Her grandkids are going to love hearing her stories.”
The process is gentle and unhurried. Clayton sets up his camera and microphone in the person’s home and simply begins talking with them, often starting with memories from childhood. “A camera can make people nervous, especially older patients who’ve never been filmed. So I press record as discretely as possible, and we just start a yarn. Ask about childhood, bring out photos, let the memories come naturally.” Photos, keepsakes and family members can also help prompt memories.
Clayton’s videos are an incredibly meaningful gift to families. He recalls one patient who shared hours of memories – stories her grandchildren had never heard. “She only ever had one photo taken when she was young. Imagine being able to give her family not just photos, but her voice, her humour, her whole presence.” He supplies the family with both the edited film and all the raw footage in case they want to revisit it at a later stage.
Like all of his volunteering experiences, Clayton loves how rewarding his Hospice role is, and the fresh perspective it has given him. “Elderly people want to tell their stories,” he explains. “They’ve lived through wars, technology changes, hard times, big joys. And I learn so much from them, it gives you perspective. You stop worrying about the silly stuff in your own life.”
The Hospice West Auckland PFV team use their skills and experience in diverse ways, including companionship of patients, giving tired family members short breaks, transportation, and assisting with group sessions. They meet monthly for supervision sessions that allow them to learn from and support each other, obtain feedback and guidance, and offer suggestions. “Hospice is very adaptable – they’re always open to feedback because we all just want to do what’s best for the patient,” says Clayton.
Clayton’s videos are special timepieces for loved ones to treasure for generations. “Everyone has stories worth hearing,” he says. “And if I can help make sure they’re not forgotten, then that’s pretty meaningful.”
If you are interested in volunteering for Hospice West Auckland we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch at volunteerservices@hwa.org.nz or visit our website: www.hwa.org.nz/volunteers.
