To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, from June 1st to 7th, we are sharing stories from just a few of the fantastic people who give up their time to support St Richard’s Hospice.
Read Sue’s story
Retired nurse Sue Perry volunteers with the hospitality team at St Richard’s – serving meals to people receiving care on the In-patient Unit.
Her typical day involves meeting patients, taking their food orders from the menu, relaying their choices to the kitchen team and serving the meals.
“The thing I like most is being able to give patients the time they need to make their meal choices and to eat their starter, main course and dessert at their own pace without being rushed,” said the 68-year-old.
Mrs Perry usually works one or two shifts a week and says she enjoys the social aspect of volunteering.
“I enjoy the friendship of the other volunteers and communicating with the patients, their friends and relatives,” she explained. “I feel we can make a difference by being friendly and approachable.
“I find the kitchen staff, with whom we have a close working relationship, particularly helpful and they will go over and above to accommodate patients’ requests even if they are not on the menu!”
An array of voluntary opportunities are available both at the hospice, in the community and at its shops and warehouse.
Find out how to get involved with volunteering at St Richard’s Hospice.
Follow the hospice’s Volunteers’ Week activities on Facebook @strichards, Twitter @StRichardsHosp and Instagram @strichardshospice using the hashtag #VolunteersWeek