When you choose to support The Mary Stevens Hospice, you’re not only helping us provide care today, you’re helping us protect the future of the hospice, ensuring that people in our community will always have somewhere to turn when they need it most.
Held annually from the first Monday in June, Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign that honors and recognises the vital work of volunteers. This week at the Mary Stevens Hospice, we are proud to be celebrating and thanking our volunteers for the incredible contribution they make to our patients, their loved ones and the wider community.
Cathy has been volunteering within the bereavement team for just over 2 years at the hospice as a supportive listener. Supportive Listening volunteers offer face to face compassionate support to people who are bereaved, giving them space to share and explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Cathy says “I aim to help people in their bereavement journey and find the role very rewarding. I volunteer as I wanted to give something back to the hospice as it was there for my family when we needed support. I am also in the hospice choir which is involved in events through the year and where I can meet other supporters of the hospice.”
Supportive listeners are given regular training and supervision to support people through their bereavement journey. Not only does it support individuals who have had a bereavement, but it can be just as beneficial to the volunteer. Cathy adds “I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people which really motivates me. Volunteering is very fulfilling, giving me a warm feeling inside.”
Yvonne and Ray are some of our fantastic Blue Box Collector, helping to raise funds through their volunteering.
“We have responsibility for the blue boxes in some shops and pubs in the area. We visit and collect full donation boxes and replace with new ones. The collection boxes are then taken to the Hospice Fundraising office to be opened and counted. We visit the whole of our area twice a year with some more regularly and we also look out for potential new places to have our boxes in our local area.”
They volunteer to support the work of the hospice and help to spread the awareness of their volunteer role and the role of the hospice in the community. They add: “The memorable moments come when people spontaneously put money in the collection boxes whilst we are changing them! We normally have lovely conversations about why they want to donate.”
Yvonne and Ray note “It’s very rewarding meeting people and being able to support the hospice. We learn so much about the local community we visit.”
Meet Keith, one of our wonderful fundraising volunteers, who first became aware of the hospice when his sister-in-law needed their services. “Unfortunately, she had Multiple sclerosis (MS) and after using day service unit for a few years, she died after a few days on the In-Patient unit. This was when I realised what a special place The Mary Stevens Hospice is.”
During that time, Keith met one of the stewards who worked at the hospice, which later led him to getting a job as a steward their himself. “I worked for the hospice for 3 and a half years and during this time I also began volunteering at various events with the fundraising team. I’ve enjoyed volunteering at many other fundraising events including the Duck Race, Summer Fayre, Football Day and Coffee Mornings.”
One of the main support Keith has given to fundraising over the past 5 years is helping backstage at the hospice pantomime - “This has taught me new skills which I never expected to learn, and it has also led me to help backstage at other productions. Some of my most memorable moments have been meeting famous people that have starred in the hospice panto’s, they help make it extra special each year.”
Volunteering with fundraising is also a great way to meet new people, “The best thing about volunteering is being part of a team of other amazing volunteers. I’ve met so many lovely people and have made good friends.”
Keith says “It gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that by volunteering I am helping towards the running of the hospice. I can’t imagine life without volunteering now.”
Sue has been volunteering with The Mary Stevens Hospice since 2003, where initially she had volunteered within the bereavement team for 5 years until she had to care for her father. She is a retired NHS Worker and recalls “After I retired and my responsibilities at home diminished, I decided to return to volunteering. I initially thought I would work on reception and spend more time in the Hospice, but fate had other ideas!”
Sue completed the volunteer form again to return to volunteering at the hospice and had a call about a new initiative called ‘Community Companions’, where through the training received as a bereavement volunteer, she thought it would be something she would like to do.
“I am now into my tenth year of being a community companion and I cannot imagine anything more fulfilling. Over the years I have met lots of different people and my experiences have been varied.”
Community Companions visit people in their own home, providing company and practical support to patients, helping to reduce social isolation, engage in conversations and encourage and support people to enjoy their hobbies at home.
Sue says about the role “The main thing to do is find out what hobbies or interests the person has so that you are able to communicate with them about things they enjoy. Sometimes this is easy – a liking for music and Formula One. Others are more challenging – a keen interest in Football (I had to check the news on the evening before my visit to see if Wolves had won).”
The community companion role not only has benefits for the patient but it can also give carers some valuable time for themselves, knowing their loved one is being supported. It can also be very fulfilling for volunteers too.
Janet has been volunteering at the hospice for over 10 years and finds her role very rewarding.
“As a ward companion, I chat, support, make drinks and help with crafts in the day service unit once a week. I worked at the hospice on the In-patient unit for 12 years and when I retired, volunteering was a way to stay a part of the hospice team. I very much enjoy helping people as part of my ward companion role and it is very rewarding when you can put a smile on someone’s face.”
Whether you can spare a few hours a week or just want to help at events, we’d love to hear from you. Our Volunteer Team will help you find a role that suits your time, interests and skills.
View opportunities and apply