GETTING INVOLVED - MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Volunteers' Newsletter - Application Form to Volunteer Your Time (PDF)

The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is committed to involving members of our local community through providing opportunities for volunteering in support of the Hospice whether inside the Hospice itself or in the wider community

The advantages of using volunteers are many; not only do they provide services which we could not afford otherwise, but they enhance the surroundings, complement and extend the existing services to patients and families in so many ways. Their sense of commitment and enthusiasm is a positive contribution to Hospice life and is a reminder of the support given so generously by the community to keep the Hospice running.

Christine Chapman
Reception and Voluntary Services Manager

Volunteers come to the Hospice for different reasons, for many it's simply to give back something to the community or as a way of thanks, for others it's to fill in a few spare hours and meet people, and for some it can be a prelude to returning to or starting a career or full time work. Whatever your reason for wanting to volunteer we take great care in making sure that we can offer the appropriate opportunities and placements.

All of the work done by volunteers is essential and meaningful work. Extra staff would require to be employed, or existing staff deployed, to cover the volume of work done.

The Phyllis Tuckwell volunteers put in on average a staggering 1000 hours per week
Approximately 450 people volunteer throughout the Hospice
A further 150 people volunteer in our Hospice shops

Why Volunteer?

Use existing skills and develop new ones
Work experience, a route to a new opportunity
Make new friends, meet new people
To put structure into the week, and use time purposefully
To get some satisfaction from involvement, to pay back
To support something that means something to you
Become richer - work for nothing!

What help can a Volunteer give?

Reception
On the front line for visitors and telephone calls to the Hospice -manned primarily by volunteers

Day Care
Help with tea/coffee, craft activities, fun diversions games, puzzles, cards, serving meals and clearing up, chatting with the patients

In-Patient Unit
Help with tea/coffee, washing up, patients' activities, serving and helping at meal times and general messenger work

Administration Support
Clerical/admin, typing, filing/photocopying, counting money, project co-ordinating

Driver
transport patients to and from the Hospice - with expenses reimbursed

Hospice Shops
A team of volunteers are led by a shop co-ordinator in each of our 10 shops. Duties include serving at the till point, sorting donated goods, pricing and displays

Fundraising Support
Assisting our busy fundraising department, coin counting, data entry, general admin support

Support Groups
Assisting with street collections, organising fundraising events and acting as a an ambassador for the organisation

Complementary Therapy
Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Massage, Hairdressing, Hand and foot care

Flowers
Volunteers create stunning floral displays, as well as more simple arrangements for throughout the Hospice

Chaplaincy
Led by the Chaplain, a team of volunteers and lay chaplains look after the spiritual care of the Hospice patients, as well as those of their families and friends

Bereavement
Volunteers who are willing to train to offer bereavement support are generally recruited and selected from experienced Hospice volunteers

Community
A team of volunteers provide social interaction with patient's at home. Those registered with us as volunteer drivers will take patients shopping or for trips out and about

Gardening
The beautiful Hospice gardens are developed and maintained by volunteers

Receptionists

Mini Bus Drivers

Patient Escorts

Gardeners
Our gardens are in need of “many hands to make light work”

How much time should a volunteer expect to give?

Volunteer teams are involved in the various area of work seven days a week. It is usual for volunteers to work once per week for about 3-4 hours, though some do more. Volunteers need to be reliable and committed to their role so that the various Voluntary Services offered can be continued on a regular basis. Your interview should help clarify which area of hospice voluntary work is suitable for you.

How do I apply?

Complete an application form and return it to us at the Hospice - application forms available to download and print by clicking here (PDF); or by telephoning the Hospice (01252 729400) - to request an application pack to be sent out; or by popping into the Hospice or your nearest Hospice shop to collect an application form. When an application form has been completed, your references will be taken up, and an initial interview will be arranged with the Voluntary Services Team to discuss your offer of help.. As the Hospice serves a vulnerable group of people, a Criminal records Bureau Check is required. Volunteers are placed according to their interests, skills and experience along with the needs of the Hospice at the time.

Will I receive training?

All volunteers are offered induction to the Hospice setting and the work of the hospice. Further specific training is provided for the area where they will be based. An additional education and training programme is offered free to all volunteers. Ongoing support is provided.

What are we looking for?

People of all ages and backgrounds with compassion, sensitivity and a willingness to work. For several years now, we have involved students who are interested in entering the caring professions and who are looking for an opportunity to gain experience and insight which will be helpful to them as they enter their chosen field of study. We are also keen to support Students undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. All we ask is that volunteers are expected to be reliable, trustworthy and discreet in their involvement with the Hospice and are valuable ambassadors to the community outside as they share the vision and philosophy of the Hospice with their friends and neighbours.

Contact Us

Contact the Voluntary Services Department on 01252 729400 for further details or email Christine Chapman Reception and Voluntary Services Manager christine.chapman@phyllistuckwellhospice.org.uk or Hazel Steel Assistant Voluntary Services Manager hazel.steel@phyllistuckwellhospice.org.uk .