Palliative Care ACT will receive $2.59 million from the ACT Government, providing ongoing support for Leo’s Place, Canberra’s only non-clinical home-like palliative care respite facility for patients and their carers. This follows a successful 18-month trial of the concept, the first of its kind in Australia.

The fund is part of the ACT Government’s multi-million dollar investment in the community sector, including homelessness services, unpaid carers, and Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations.

• ACT Government funds community services (22 July)

Dr Louise Mayo AM, board president of Palliative Care ACT, was delighted to receive this ongoing funding.

“Everyone has the right to good quality care, and we identified long ago the need to provide a respite service for those living with life limiting illnesses and their carers,” she said.

Over the last 18 months, Palliative Care ACT has engaged the University of NSW to assess the trial, and received high praise from clients for the service.

Dr Mayo said the feedback confirmed that Palliative Care ACT surpassed all expectations in providing expert non-clinical support, and its clients were very grateful to have access to this much needed home away from home service.

Dr Mayo knows too well the widespread support needed from all facets of the community to ensure success for health services like Leo’s Place.

“Throughout the trial, we have been very well supported by the ACT government and our partners and service organisations,” she said.

The outstanding commitment to Leo’s Place by partner organisations, local businesses, and the Canberra community was proven recently at Palliative Care ACT’s fundraising dinner in June, when more than 500 people raised over $180,000 for ongoing care and services.

Dr Mayo stressed the need to constantly evolve and educate ourselves as a community to ensure we meet the needs of those most vulnerable.

“Research tells us that as our ageing population grows, the preference for most people is to die at home, and carer fatigue is a major issue we are now addressing by providing this service.

“Once again, the Canberra community has proven that when great partnerships come together, great things can happen.”