A visit to the hospice charity shop at Radcliffe on Trent inspired Mike to volunteer for Nottinghamshire Hospice after his retirement.

Mike has put his counselling skills to good use in his work in support services at the hospice where he provides talking support to patients, their carers and the bereaved as well as helping at information cafés, forget-me-not day and other meet and greet events.

Mike says: “I work primarily with patients in their own homes to establish their needs and explore what their goals are. I can be there for up to two hours. I also help with filling in forms and accessing other services.

“I like dealing with the unexpected, every day is different.  I think it’s remarkable how people can have such humour when they are in need of support.  I really enjoy it! There is a positive team spirit and excellent support. What I get back is the satisfaction of helping. I just want to help others.”

Mike is one of more than 450 volunteers who help at Nottinghamshire Hospice in roles including patient care, fundraising, retail and administrative support.

Volunteer Services Development Manager Sarah Rice says: “Volunteers are an essential and highly valued part of the hospice team; we simply couldn’t provide our services to patients without them.”

To find out more about volunteering for Nottinghamshire Hospice, visit https://www.nottshospice.org/get-involved/volunteer-for-us/