We work directly where we have the skills and capacity to help, and alongside organisations that understand the communities they serve.
We help multicultural communities better understand palliative care and advance care planning.
Our activities include community education sessions, palliative care awareness, advance care planning information and connections to available health services. Our goal is to make it easier for people and families to understand their choices and ask for the support they need.
Strengthening palliative care infrastructure, education and training in Sri Lanka, India and other resource-limited settings.
This can include healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, professional education and training, community education and partnerships with local healthcare organisations. We respond to local needs rather than applying the same approach everywhere.
Patients from culturally diverse backgrounds can face additional challenges in finding a compatible stem cell donor.
Paalam works with community groups, workplaces and other organisations to improve awareness of stem cell donation and encourage eligible people to join the Australian donor registry.
We are exploring opportunities to work with First Nations communities and to improve health literacy among young people, in partnership with First Nations health organisations and led by their priorities.
An intention, not yet a program. We are at the listening stage and will move forward only in genuine partnership with the communities concerned.
A Place of Care, Comfort and Dignity
The much-awaited End-of-Life Care Unit at Base Hospital Tellipalai, Jaffna
The end-of-life care unit at Base Hospital Tellipalai was conceived, funded in full and delivered by Paalam, from the first conversation through to the day it opened its doors. It provides compassionate, dignified and culturally sensitive care to patients with advanced and terminal illness.
Located in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, ARAVANAI represents an important step towards strengthening palliative and end-of-life care in the region.
The project reflects Paalam's belief that everyone deserves dignity, comfort and compassionate care.
ARAVANAI means "embrace" in Tamil. For patients and their families, it represents what that word suggests: care, comfort and support at a difficult time.
The opening of the ARAVANAI End-of-Life Care Unit. Watch on YouTube →
Why ARAVANAI was built. Hear it from Dr Chrishanthi Rajasooriyar, Consultant Oncologist, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Watch on YouTube →
Delivered by Paalam in Australia and overseas, directly and through trusted partners.
The End-of-Life Care Unit at Base Hospital Tellipalai, Jaffna - compassionate, dignified and culturally sensitive care for patients with advanced illness.
Working in these communities means responding to what they need, not only what fits our specialism. These projects come from requests made by the hospitals and communities we already work alongside.
Medical equipment - including an infusion driver donated to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, improving comfort and symptom control for palliative patients.
Palliative care workshops for physicians and nurses in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
Workshops on menstrual hygiene and sexual violence, supporting women and girls in underserved communities.
Renovation of the neonatal ward, Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.
Post-cyclone support for affected communities.
Thayumanasakthi project - delivery of new bone packs.
We consider each request carefully and work with local partners to understand what is needed before committing resources.
Palliative care educational workshops for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Workshops on advance care directives, helping people plan and document their future healthcare wishes.
Stem cell registration campaigns, improving donor diversity within multicultural communities.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
