The Ankali project: a model for the use of volunteers to provide emotional support in terminal illness.

ABSTRACT

The Ankali project has provided emotional support to about 250 persons with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, their partners, family members and friends. Volunteers act as a "supportive friend" and allow subjects the opportunity to express their feelings. The project's model easily could be adapted to meet the needs of persons with other terminal illnesses. One of the most important features of the model is the compulsory support-group structure for volunteers.