This Volunteers’ Week we say a huge, heartfelt thank you to all 790 of our amazing volunteers who give their time, expertise and life skills in every aspect of St Richard’s.
These hospice heroes volunteer in 32 different roles across the organisation – everything from gardening and reception to counsellors, complementary therapists, in our shops and administration – and so much more!
Last year these fantastic people gave more than 110,000 hours of their time to St Richard’s!
During this Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing inspiring stories from just some of our incredible volunteers. Click the names below to read their volunteering stories.
Tracy
Tracy volunteers at our Evesham store, keeping the bric-a-brac section looking tip-top and replenished with new stock.
After being made redundant from her job, Tracy decided to try volunteering to keep her busy.
“I enjoy the work in a shop environment and also the social side of being with colleagues and customers,” she explains.
“I get so much benefit from this environment.”
Following a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Tracy was offered counselling and reflexology from our St Richard’s teams.
She has also accessed support from our Living Well Service including tai chi, journaling and crafts.
“For someone contemplating volunteering I would simply say: ‘do it!’,” says Tracy, whose best friend and Nan were cared for by St Richard’s before they died.
“It is such a great experience and for such a worthwhile cause.
“We are so lucky to have such a remarkable service on our door step and who knows when this may be needed for themselves or their loved ones in whatever shape or form.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for all the help and support that has been given to myself, my family and friends over the years.
“Thank you, St Richard’s, for all that you do. I am grateful to be able to give a little bit back by helping to volunteer at the shop.”
Gary
Meet Gary who has been an IT volunteer for the last six years.
“I work full time, my employer, Gemba Advantage, encourages us to contribute socially and this allows me to flex my time and volunteer.
“The help given has changed over the last six years, prior to Covid I would be on site one afternoon a month, helping patients and carers with technology questions and issues, varying from laptop email setup to iPhone walk-throughs.
“Recently I joined the Wellbeing Café team on a Wednesday, spending a couple of hours each week helping patients and carers set up their devices to enable them to stay in touch, or access services they now need to use online.
“Each session is unique as each individual has a different history, knowledge and understanding – so I typically let them tell me what they want to do, what they have tried and then we work through it one to one. We don’t always succeed one the first session, if not though we go again.
“I look forward to my sessions at the hospice, I love meeting new people, helping them if I can, taking the time to just talk and see how they are – which is what the Wellbeing Café is all about!
“I could not finish without saying how lovely the staff and other volunteers at the hospice have been over the last six years, another reason why I enjoy volunteering!”
Sandy
Sandy started volunteering last December and works in our Barnards Green shop.
“Volunteering at the charity shop has saved me, says Sandy. “I was still grieving from the death of my beloved husband, Dave, who passed away St Richard’s in May.
“I look forward to working my shifts, the managers and the other volunteers have been amazing. I am learning new skills and was made to feel part of the team very quickly. I have always been a people person and enjoy chatting with them when they come into browse. They are all complimentary how the shop looks.
“I am happy to pick up extra shifts when I’m able, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to volunteer. It’s my way of giving a little bit back for the amazing care that the home nurses supported both Dave and I towards the end of his life. I could never repay your dedication, your kindness and your support.”
Our brilliant corporate volunteers
Recently a brilliant team from Worcester City Council’s Corporate Policy and Strategy service spent the day taking on jobs in our courtyard garden, helping to keep our outdoor spaces looking tip-top.
“Volunteering at St Richard’s was such a rewarding experience and great way to learn about the invaluable service they provide to the community, says Natalie Kemp, Corporate Strategy, Performance & Development Officer.
“The staff were welcoming and informative, and it really came across how important volunteers were to the running of the hospice and ensuring its future. Being such a bright and positive place, it was a pleasure to spend time there doing something to benefit others. I would encourage others to find out more and support where possible.”
Trisha
Meet volunteer Trisha and her lovely Pets as Therapy dog, Luna, a three-year-old cockapoo who regularly visits the hospice.
Trisha said: “Luna is very friendly, patient, gentle, at ease in all situations, and contented to be petted and cuddled.
“The reaction Luna receives from the patients and staff is pure delight and you can see how she lifts their spirits.”
Trisha is also a volunteer hairdresser at St Richard’s, supporting patients for the last 20 years!
“Hairdressing really makes a difference, it’s a role that is an important part of patient therapy helping to enhance their general wellbeing.
“Not only is the role personally very rewarding, it’s also extremely beneficial to the patient. Often they will open up, find solace in talking about their experiences.”
- If you’ve been inspired by our volunteers’ stories, you can find out more about joining the team on our website. We’d love to hear from you!