A VOLUNTEER recruitment is being held at St Luke's in Winsford from 6pm on Wednesday, October 16.
The hospice says volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make new friends and have fun.
Pam Ford, hospice volunteering co-ordinator, said: "We have a variety of volunteering roles to suit all sorts of interests and skill sets.You may want to volunteer regularly or on an ad hoc basis.
"Whatever your choice or reason for volunteering, please come along for an informal chat and to find out morel.
"You could soon be making a difference to the lives of others."
Volunteer Marian Bray helps one afternoon a week at the hospice shop in Hartford.
The former teaching assistant was about to retire in 2012 when she discovered she had breast cancer.
Marian was supported through her treatment and recovery by St Luke’s day hospice and decided that she wanted to do something to thank them.
“St Luke’s was there for me at such a difficult time in my life," said Marian. "The nurses were brilliant and it made me want to give something back, not just for the care that I had received, but for what other people I know have received.
“I initially thought I would try to volunteer the same amount of hours as the care I had received, but to be honest there’s no amount of hours that can pay that back, so I just thought I’d do as many as I can, for as long as I can.
“I just love it. I feel as if I am needed which is really important to me after retiring and I’ve made so many friends. All the volunteers are brilliant, we have a good natter, we are all there for each other and we’re making a difference for St Luke’s.”
Alan Williams volunteers on the in-patient unit at the hospice one morning every week.
He said: “I’m not great a bed making and things like that but if someone needs help with their breakfast then I’ll sit and feed them. I make cups of tea for patients and their relatives but the main thing is to sit down and chat and I have some amazing conversations with some absolutely fantastic people.
Alan Williams volunteers on the in-patient unit at the hospice
“It is a privilege to volunteer here. They are a great team of people and they do a good job, both the volunteers and the paid staff. The patients appreciate the quality of the care, the quality of the people and the quality of the food and all these things go a long way to making their journey that little bit easier.”
Current volunteer vacancies at St Luke’s include weekend and evening reception roles at the hospice, befrienders in the Mid-Cheshire area and a variety of retail roles in hospice shops and warehouse from drivers to Ebay researchers.
For more information visit slhospice.co.uk/events/volunteer-recruitment-evening
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Anyone wishing to attend the volunteer recruitment evening can register their interest by emailing Pam Ford pamela.ford@slhospice.co.uk or by calling 01606 555690.
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