Sometimes the most powerful medicine isn’t found in a bottle or administered through an IV.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a warm conversation over coffee, a gentle walk in the garden or the quiet comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

Thanks to your support, The Wesley Hospital has created something beautiful: a network of Compassionate Companions who bring the healing power of human connection to patients when they need it most.

“This feeds my heart,” says Pauline, one of our dedicated volunteers.

“I really enjoy spending time with these people. They get the opportunity to take their minds off their hospital stay and talk about something different.”

Patients far from their country home, facing weeks of treatment with no family nearby. Or patients with limited mobility making it hard to connect with others during their stay.

These are the moments when loneliness can feel overwhelming—and when our Compassionate Companions make all the difference.

“Some of the patients live regionally or remotely and have limited support networks here in Brisbane,” Pauline explains.

“Having a friendly face to chat with makes a huge impact. I love seeing them at the end of my visit far more animated than when I first walked in.”

The program extends across three vital areas of care. The Vulnerable In-Patient Service connects trained volunteers with patients experiencing long stays, those far from home, or anyone who simply needs a friendly presence.

The Dementia and Delirium program provides specialised support for patients whose cognitive challenges make hospital stays particularly disorienting.

And in our most sacred moments, End of Life Compassionate Companions ensure no one has to face the end of life alone.

“Palliative care, I’ve come to realise, is profoundly important,” reflects Sally, one of our trained volunteers.

“When a patient needs me, it becomes my responsibility to be there, to offer comfort and solace.”

You can’t measure happiness, but we certainly notice a change in our patients after they have had a visit from a volunteer. It’s a wonderful initiative.

These connections happen because of your generosity. Your support creates space for the kind of human care that touches hearts and accelerates healing.

Behind every shared cup of tea, every completed jigsaw puzzle, every gentle conversation is your belief that healing extends far beyond medicine.

Thank you for making these moments of connection possible.