Our volunteers are an extension of the work of the professional staff and are an important part of the team. They have their own contribution and expertise and they bring a wealth of diverse skills, compassion and warmth and an added dimension to the care we offer. They give an enormous amount through their commitment and constant availability.
Our volunteers tell us that they too receive much in return, from the social contact and friendship with staff, patients and other volunteers, from the fact of being part of a dedicated team and from that of contributing to a worthy cause.
VOLUNTEERS HELP MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
Our volunteers are organised in teams or groups according to the area of work of their own choice and according to their skills and abilities. The teams have different tasks which include:
• DAY CARE SERVICE
Assisting patients at the Day Therapy Unit and helping with activities
• SALON
Hair washing and setting and other ‘beauty care’
• ASSISTED BATHING
Our Parker Bath helps frail or elderly patients to take a bath
• CRAFTS
Volunteers share their skills in various crafts and recreational activities
• CATERING
Preparing and serving refreshments during day care and on special events and outings
• RECEPTION
Welcoming all those who contact Hospice in person or on the telephone. Other reception duties
• HOME VISITS
Visiting patients at home, in hospital and in residential homes
• COACH SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM SIR PAUL BOFFA HOSPITAL
Accompanying patients on the hospice coach shuttle service to and from outpatient appointments
• TRANSPORT FOR PATIENTS
Driving patients to and from the Day Therapy Unit, to and from outpatient appointments
• HYDROTHERAPY
Assisting patients during hydrotherapy sessions
• CHILDREN’S SUMMER CLUB
Helping with supervising and accompanying the children during activities and outings
• ADMINISTRATION
Helping with clerical and routine tasks
• BEREAVEMENT SERVICE
Offering support to families
• FUNDRAISING
Planning and organising fundraising events
Some volunteers are professionally qualified and they assist with speech therapy, aromatherapy, occupational therapy, assisted bathing and in the salon or wherever their skills are needed.
On joining the Hospice a volunteer receives orientation and training in the mission and values, history, and services of the Movement. Experienced volunteers accompany new ones once they are ready to take up tasks and until they are comfortable in their role.
Ensuring that each volunteer receives on-going training, supervision and support is a vital aspect of the Volunteer Manager’s role. This gives volunteers the confidence and security to be comfortable in their work.
Would you like to be part of our team? With just a few hours a week you could make a difference to someone’s life. We need help with many different aspects of our work and most importantly with fundraising.
