Strength and support when life is in transition Karuna is a Brisbane-based charity established to help people live a meaningful and happy life while embracing uncertainty and change. Life is our most precious possession. Its loss our most difficult yet inescapable experience. Karuna believes that having the skills and support to face the challenges and uncertainty can make the journey easier. As a result, we have developed models of care and education which help people understand, prepare for and face the end of life with calm and acceptance. Since 1992 Karuna has used its expertise and compassion to help thousands of individuals and families cope with illness and loss. We take the time to understand your needs and provide a holistic approach to delivering the best possible support. In serving the community Karuna strives to follow the inspirational ideals and examples set by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Karuna’s Spiritual Patron, whose own lifelong mission is to serve others with universal compassion and kindness. These are Karuna’s underlying values. Karuna relies heavily on the kindness of others. Only a portion of our funding comes from Queensland Health and the remaining money must be raised through donations. Community support is vital. The Karuna Hospice Service Ltd ABN 28 055 211 473
PO Box 2020 Windsor Queensland 4030 27 Cartwright Street Windsor Queensland 4030 Phone: 1300 KARUNA (1300 527 862) Fax: (07) 3857 8040 Email: karuna@karuna.org.au Web: www.karuna.org.au
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Care when you need it most In-home care Living with a life limiting illness is difficult for most people and everyone copes with the situation differently. Karuna understands this and has a range of free services that can give you the strength and support needed to face such unfamiliar challenges. This support is provided in your own home and is also available to carers and families. Support is free and includes: • assessment of client and family needs • home nursing care for pain and symptom management • nursing equipment loans • family counselling and emotional support • spiritual support • after hours support • liaison with family GP • bereavement support for people of all ages including children. Admission to Karuna’s in-home care can be arranged through a: • direct request from you or a family member • general practitioner or specialist • treating clinic or hospital.
Spiritual care Karuna offers spiritual support and guidance for people faced with declining health, the end of life and loss. Care is provided by counsellors, ordained Buddhists and trained spiritual care volunteers.
Education when searching for meaning
Make a difference to someone’s future
Karuna provides a comprehensive Mind Life Wellbeing program that can help you calm your mind, transform mental and physical pain and find meaning and fulfillment in life.
Karuna relies heavily on the kindness of others as just over 50% of the organisation’s funding for home care comes from Queensland Health and the remaining money must be raised through donations. If you would like to help Karuna continue its valuable work you can assist in a number of ways:
The program includes: • Mind Life workshops and courses • Meditation coaching • Self care • Buddhism studies. We also provide: • Carer education and training • Volunteer training • Training for health professionals.
Karuna bookshop The Karuna bookshop has over 500 Buddhist, Mind Life, self-help and end-of-life books as well as CDs and DVDs. All proceeds go to supporting Karuna. The store is located at Karuna – 27 Cartwright St and books can also be purchased online at www.karuna.org.au/bookshop For more information telephone 1300 KARUNA or email: karuna@karuna.org.au
You can also donate art, craft and jewellery to Karuna’s annual Art and Craft Market and our Christmas Fair. Volunteer: Use your valuable skills to help with fundraising, administration and marketing. It is a great way to make a rewarding contribution to your community. You may also like to train as a support volunteer.
Donations: You can donate to Karuna by visiting our website or calling reception on 1300 KARUNA. We also distribute appeals twice a year at Christmas and in June (tax time) so make sure you’re on our mailing list. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Regular Donor Program: You can also make a monthly donation by direct debit. Memorial gifts: You may like to make a donation in memory of a loved one. Bequests: When writing your Will you may like to consider leaving a bequest to Karuna so that our valuable work can continue. Fundraise: On behalf of Karuna you may like to organise a fundraising event such as a dinner or movie night. For more ideas and information please contact Karuna. In-kind gifts: Gifts such as nursing equipment, library resources, office equipment and raffle prizes for fundraising events are always most appreciated.
We provide: • support and guidance • closure ceremonies • online information.
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