Life Stories

Life Stories offers an opportunity for registered Victoria Hospice patients to record their life's stories, thoughts or special memories onto audio CDs.

"I felt it was important for my grand-daughters to catch the essence of who I am."

How does it work?

A trained volunteer Life Stories interviewer gently guides you through a conversation that gives you a chance to talk about the things that are important in your life. You decide what you want to talk about and for how long, up to a maximum of 5 hours of recording time.  Each interview will usually take about an hour or less, so multiple interviews can be arranged if needed. When all the interviews have been completed, they will be transferred in their entirety, with no editing, to audio CDs.

Is there a charge for this service?

No; however, if you wish to have additional CDs made or have the contents transcribed, this would be at your own expense. We can provide a list of professionals in the community who can help you, should you want to more with your recordings.

What about confidentiality?

Life Stories volunteers will not discuss or share any information contained in the interviews with anyone unless you first give permission to do so. All of your recordings will be kept in a locked secure space. After we deliver your completed set of CDs to you, the master recording will be erased. Victoria Hospice will not keep any copies of your interviews.

How do I begin?

If you would like to schedule a volunteer Life Stories interview, or would simply like to know more, you can:

• email the Volunteer Services department call 250-370-8727
• speak to any Hospice staff person
• ask your Home and Community Care Nurse to make a ‘request for service’

"I think the fact that you came here and did what you did …you’ve honoured me."