In a world full of rush and constant action, there is also another kind of help.
A help that does not rely on action.
A help that relies on presence.
Sitting service is the idea of a simple, human vigil by the side of a sick or dying person. Accompanying them in silence, peace, and respect for their dignity.
Sometimes it means conversation.
Sometimes silence.
Sometimes just sitting by the bed of someone who shouldn't be alone.
In modern culture, we have grown accustomed to the belief that any help must involve taking action.
The Sitting service reminds us of something else.
Sometimes the greatest help is to:
It is very simple. And at the same time, incredibly important.
Volunteers of the "Ostatnia Warta" Foundation take up vigil shifts for the sick and dying in:
Their task is not to treat or interfere with medical care.
Their task is to accompany. Sometimes for a few hours. Sometimes throughout the whole night.
Loneliness during illness and in the final moments of life is one of the greatest tragedies of the modern world.
The Sitting service is an answer to this loneliness.
It is a return to the simplest form of human solidarity:
"not leaving a person alone."
The "Ostatnia Warta" Foundation is developing the idea of the sitting service in Poland as a form of the volunteering of presence.
This is not a medical service. It is not therapy.
It is something much simpler. Keeping vigil by another human being.
Because we believe that no one should pass away alone.
If you feel that you can simply be there for another person — we invite you to volunteer at the "Ostatnia Warta" Foundation.