A Volunteer’s Story

What inspired you to start volunteering at Southern Area Hospice?

I was inspired to start volunteering at the hospice because my Nanny, who was suffering from both breast cancer and melanoma skin cancer, really relied on the palliative care she received at the end of her life in the Southern Area Hospice. Through this my family have always had amazing things to say about the work that is done here which made me want to come in and give a hand myself when I realised that volunteering was an option. As well as this, as someone who has applied to do medicine in university, volunteering here allowed me to get a true insight into how this aspect of medical care is administered, and have a greater appreciation for the incredible work done by the hospice staff..

How long have you been volunteering with us, and what is your role?

I have been with the hospice since August 2024 and have had a couple of roles within my time here. Primarily, I help out on the wards with the nursing staff on the weekend. This entails providing patients with their breakfast, lunch and dinner (depending on the time of day), refilling water and taking some of the pressure off the backs of the staff working. This position comes with the added benefit of being able to have social conversations with the patients on the wards and also the nursing staff. I have also helped out with money collections in shopping centres and garages.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?

I really love being able to talk with the patients on the wards when I’m providing them their meals and also the nurses working on the wards. This social aspect allows me to see how impactful it is for the patients and staff alike to be in the hospice and also understand the incredible work that is done here.

Why do you think your role as a volunteer is important for the hospice?

I think it is important as it takes some of the pressure off the nurses on the wards as much of the tasks I complete in my role, washing up and providing food, falls onto this staff when volunteers aren’t in. Which means that on top of their duties as nurses, they have to complete this work as well. In addition I think the money collections that I take part in are very important for providing some help that the hospice benefits from massively.

What do you want people to know about volunteering at Southern Area Hospice?

I want people to know that the Southern Area hospice is an incredibly welcoming environment for volunteers. As someone who is just 18, I have never been made feel less than or that my contributions weren’t enough despite being a younger member of the volunteering staff. With everyone treating me as an equal. I also want fellow students to know that the hospice are extremely accommodating with the fact that I am still in full time education, only asking me to volunteer when I am available and as someone who is hoping to attend university next year I would love to continue my volunteering when I’m home.

What would you say to someone who’s considering becoming a volunteer?

I would say to them that they have nothing to be nervous about as the hospice provides great direction in how to perform every aspect of volunteering. Equally, I would encourage them to enjoy it as it can be incredibly fulfilling to be a volunteer, whether that’s raising money, being on the wards or anything in between.