Name: Ronald
Role: Volunteer Driver
I have been a volunteer driver for Nottinghamshire Hospice for about two years. My interest in supporting the hospice came from the help and support they gave to my mother before she passed away several years ago. Volunteering for the hospice has many rewards; meeting new people and learning from their many life experiences and the opportunity to meet people from lots of different backgrounds. It is very hard not to become too attached to the patients because you get to know them so well. It’s good to be able to see beyond a patient’s illness and get to know them as a person.
The good thing about being a volunteer driver for the hospice is the opportunity you have in making a positive impact on someone’s life that is limited by their illness.
Drivers make a positive impact in the lives of people who are terminally ill. Having someone reliable and sociable to transport them to and from the hospice is invaluable in the care and support they receive.
Name: Lee
Role: Shop Assistant
I have been working at The Sherwood Hospice Shop for the past two years and it has been one of the happiest, most rewarding periods of my life.
Five years previously I had suffered a severe blow to my self esteem when I was made redundant. I eventually decided to return to work and couldn’t have picked a more fulfilling occupation than working for the Hospice. I’d wanted to do something worthwhile, whilst easing myself back into a work environment that was as stress free as possible, My confidence improved so much that I now have a part time, paid job; however, I insisted I would not work on the days that I volunteer in the shop as I enjoy it so much.
There is great camaraderie between the manageress and all the volunteers, and a variety of roles to suit all interests and abilities. I particularly enjoy contact with the customers so like to be on the till, but if you prefer to work behind the scenes then there is always sorting or pricing to be done. The day is never boring, as there is always a job to be found if you like to be kept busy. We have a diverse range of customers and it is especially nice to exchange greetings with our regulars.
The Nottingham Hospice has recently introduced, in conjunction with NCN, the opportunity to train for an NVQ in retail work. I will shortly complete this course and have found it extremely useful and interesting.
Don’t hesitate, apply to join your local team of volunteers and I guarantee you will never regret it. I know I won’t.
Name: Karen
Role: Volunteer Complementary Therapist
“I have worked as a volunteer for a variety of organisations since I was a student. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to gain a whole range of skills which can be transferred to paid employment. Far more than that though, being a volunteer is fun, interesting, varied and a chance to meet and work with some lovely people.
I have been working as a Volunteer Massage Therapist at the hospice for nearly 18 months and find the work very rewarding. The patients and staff are great to work with and I enjoy feeling part of the team. Each day is different and I come away having learned something new. My knowledge and skills as a Massage Therapist are being developed all the time. It feels good to provide treatments which help the patients to relax. Hopefully I am contributing to their well-being too!”
Good to see you Yvonne. Can you tell us how long you’ve been volunteering in Daycare? "I’ve been working at the hospice as a volunteer since February. I won an award, the Golden Jubilee Award, from John Lewis, where I work. This allows me to work for a charity of my choice for 2 days a week for 6 months."
What made you choose Nottinghamshire Hospice?
"My charity organiser at John Lewis gave me a list of charities to contact. After doing some research and phoning the hospice, I decided that this was the place I wanted to do my volunteering."
For the volunteers who don’t get the chance to come into the hospice very often, could you give us a ‘Day in the Life of a Daycare Volunteer’?
"Every day is a happy day. It’s a caring, loving, place. Each day is busy and fulfilling. We help with drinks, meals and activities, which are varied so all patients can participate in them. We listen, talk and laugh with the patients."
Many potential volunteers are worried that the hospice will be a depressing place. It sounds as though you disagree - what would you say to reassure them?
"The hospice is a very happy place. It’s a social place where everyone is friends with, and cares about each other, both patients and staff."
From your experience, what skills or interests would you say you need to volunteer in Daycare?
"You have to be a good listener with a happy and bright personality. You need to be a caring person with people skills and be willing to work together with the team. I think it’s also important to have an open mind and heart and be someone who enjoys making people happy. The happiness then bounces right back."
Can you tell us some of the highlights of the last 6 months here?
"My highlight is to have won the Golden Jubilee Award as it enables me to work at the hospice, which I get so much from and which I enjoy so much. I’ve learnt so much and I’ve made so many friends, both patients and staff. I was telling some of the patients that if I won the lottery I’d give my full time job up and work here five days a week as a volunteer. The reply was, “I wish you would win and do just that”. I’d also like to say a big thank you to John (one of the patients), for the lovely hanging basket he made me."
And finally, the Golden Jubilee Award scheme finishes next month. Are you planning to continue volunteering with us?
"Oh yes. Since I’ve been here, I’ve felt welcomed by patients and staff. I’m so honoured to be here among so many happy and loving people. I love working here and will continue to do so when the award stops."
Thank you Yvonne. We’re so grateful for everything you do here, and for everyone who gives their time to volunteer with us. We’ve loved having you with us and are delighted that you’re going to stay!
Name: Sam - Age: 19
Role: Daycare Volunteer
“ Volunteering at the hospice is an extremely rewarding experience. I was slightly unsure what to expect at first, due to the negative connotations associated with the word ‘hospice’. However, the warm, friendly environment created by the staff alongside the positive outlooks and openness of the patients put me at ease and allowed me to relax in the presence of patients with life-limiting illnesses. I have become close to many of them and really sense I have made a small, but valuable contribution to helping to take their minds off their illnesses and worries in life. As volunteers, we arrange activities to help them stimulate their minds as well as their mobility.
The experiences have developed me as a person, improving my communication skills, understanding of dealing with bereavement and health issues and have really given me a new perspective on life. I hope to pop into the hospice whenever I am back from university to share my experiences with the patients as well as learn from them.”
