“Volunteers are vital in expanding the possibilities available to an organisation such as St Christopher’s. And expanding possibilities for patients and families is what our work is all about. We couldn’t do it without volunteers.” Barbara Monroe, Chief Executive
The work volunteers do for us contributes enormously to the range of services we can offer patients and families; without them we could not do all that we do. We value our volunteers and support them through training that prepares them for the areas in which they choose to work.
Some find the experience and confidence they gain from working at Harris HospisCare is a useful stepping stone on the way to a rewarding career. Other people bring us a lifetime’s experience.
Here are some of the main roles undertaken by our volunteers:
Administrative
Administration volunteers help with filing, photocopying and maintaining records.
Bereavement Service
Bereavement volunteers (BSVs) provide support to people who have been bereaved. There is specific training for this role which consists of 40 hours over three months. Volunteers who undertake this training are expected to commit to 2 years in the role, and to provide a minimum of two face-to-face contacts per week. There are opportunities for BSVs who have worked with us to train as group facilitators and to work alongside our qualified staff.
Day Unit
The Unit is open three days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Volunteers working here will welcome patients, families, carers and visitors, offering tea, coffee and a ‘listening ear’. Some will act as information guides, helping people locate relevant information in written form or via the internet. Volunteers can also support the nursing team by assisting patients who spend the day in the Centre with feeding, or bathing and other activities.
Volunteers work between 9.30am and 3pm.
Day Unit volunteers will be expected to attend a 12-session training programme, and will take part in regular support groups with an experienced facilitator.
Reception
Volunteer receptions work half days. They welcome visitors, answer the telephones and take messages.
Visiting patients
Volunteer visitors spend time in patients' homes so that carers are able to have time to themselves for a couple of hours.
Driving and escorting
Volunteer drivers drive patients who may be spending the day at the hospice or attending a clinic appointment, to and from the hospice. Sometimes they take patients to hospital appointments. When a patient needs an escort, volunteer escorts carry out this service. Driving and escorting volunteers are also expected to attend the twelve week training programme.
Fundraising
Volunteers work alongside our professional fundraisers organising and helping at fundraising events such as fetes. They sometimes collaborate with friends or work colleagues on a fundraising project of their own, or join others on an existing project.
Gardening
Garden volunteers help to keep the hospice gardens well-stocked, tidy and attractive.
Hospice shops
Volunteers can work with others under the direction of the shop manager in one of our six shops. The role involves receiving, sorting, presenting for sale and selling donated goods.
We would be delighted if you would like to work for us as a volunteer. Please contact Kathleen Bailey on 01689 825755 for further information.
