Here at St Oswald’s Hospice we have an extraordinary team of 894 volunteers, aged 14 to 91, who generously give their time to ensure patients and their families can focus on what matters most – spending quality time together.
Susan Freeman, Head of Volunteering, explains that giving just an hour here and there can make a real difference – not only to the Hospice, but to volunteers themselves. She said:
“At St Oswald’s Hospice, so many people begin their journey by simply offering a little bit of themselves, an afternoon, a willingness to help, a moment of kindness. Along the way, volunteers often discover strengths, passions, and purpose they didn’t realise were waiting for them.
“We’ve got 78 different voluntary roles available, from volunteering in the kitchen, gardens and charity shops to supporting teams on the wards and at reception, the Hospice offers opportunities suited to everyone’s experiences, skillsets and interests. Volunteering with us allows people to develop new skills, a newfound confidence and sometimes a future career.”
Hear from three of our volunteers who donate their time to make a real difference.
Retail Volunteer, Tom
17-year-old Tom is one of 600 retail volunteers who generously give their time to support our 25 charity shops.
Tom began volunteering at the Forest Hall shop when he was just 15 and, two years on, still loves spending time in the store, volunteering twice a week alongside his college course.
Not only has Tom gained a sense of community and comradery at the shop, but also a newfound confidence.
He said:
“I feel like when I started, I was a shy person but now I’m more confident. I’ve learnt teamwork, cash handling, working on the till, sorting, steaming and tagging. Which is all positive and I can use in my future.”
Lymphoedema Volunteer, Greg
Greg, 22, volunteers with our Lymphoedema Service and hopes to study medicine at university later this year. Keen to gain real-world healthcare experience, he joined the team to learn more about palliative care and patient support.
“Volunteering has been extremely rewarding. The team are always there to guide and support you, and it’s amazing to feel part of something that offers meaningful, ongoing support to people living with a long-term condition. I’d definitely encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go – you learn so much and gain experiences that stay with you.”
Volunteer Gardener, Liz
Liz, volunteers as a gardener, helping to create calm, welcoming outdoor spaces where patients, families and staff can find comfort and moments of peace. She has been part of the volunteer gardening team for over six years, working alongside her husband, Derek, to support people at the Hospice during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d absolutely encourage you to go for it – you don’t need to know everything, you’ll be supported by a fantastic team, and the difference you can make is genuinely appreciated.”
If you’re inspired by the stories of Tom, Greg and Liz, find out more about volunteering at St Oswald’s Hospice and how you could make a difference.
