It all started two years ago with a piece in the local paper all about St Richard’s and me wanting to do something for the local community.
I went along to an open evening and was surprised at all the different areas they needed volunteers for, from fundraising to receptionists.
I was interested in the Day Hospice, so after an interview and all the relevant paperwork I shadowed someone for a day. I was hooked! It is a very busy day with greeting the patients, making teas and coffees, chatting to them, serving them lunch, did I mention chatting to them! The patients are so wonderful, full of amazing stories and so grateful for your help and company. Besides the volunteers, there are the fabulous nurses who support the patients and all the different therapists too. I feel very humbled working with such lovely people and the team I work for are just as fantastic. We are there primarily for the patients but also for each other. I always come away from my day with a great sense of well-being.
Along the way I also offered some help in HR (administration) and got taken up on it straight away! It is interesting to see how much paperwork and data is needed. I work with a hard working team who are very good at multi-tasking. I am happy to be able to help with the simple tasks that need doing!
Volunteering at St Richard’s has been very worthwhile for me. It gets me out of the house and also the people are so warm and welcoming. I am looking forward to my next year.
Judith Irwin, Volunteer