The Whakaahuru Singers Incorporated

Whakaahuru, the Gentle Singers, offer two kinds of service for people who are near the end of life:

• By request, we sing in a small group (three to four singers) at the bedside of individual patients. We visit patients wherever they are – at home, in a hospice, hospital or rest home. Our request sings vary greatly depending on circumstances. Every sing is unique, just like the person we're singing for. We might sing just one or two songs, or we might sing for quite a while. The songs can be soothing or uplifting, depending on the needs of the patient, family and caregivers.

• At regular scheduled visits to rest homes, hospitals and hospices, we sing at bedsides and in public spaces (lounges, reception rooms and sometimes corridors). The number of singers might be 8-10 for these regular visits.

It isn’t necessary to applaud or even acknowledge that we're there, we don't require introductions or thanks. We’re trained to be sensitive to the needs of those present, and respond accordingly.

Our service is delivered without charge to patients or their families. Our singers are all volunteers and they meet their own travel and other personal expenses. We’re a charitable organisation and our organisational expenses are funded through donations, grants and fundraising events.