“I started volunteering at the Hospice three years after I lost my mother there. I had not thought about volunteering before, but grieving her loss changed my perspective on aspects of my life. I wanted to give back the support, help and kindness we had received as a grieving family.
I began with the IPU kitchen team where I assisted in organising the volunteer rota and worked on kitchen shifts. Three years ago, I joined the Wellbeing Team. We’re here to spend time with the patients - to provide them with time away from being a patient. We enjoy playing games with them, colouring and crafts, hand massage, or a walk around the garden. Quite often all they want is company or to talk. It’s lovely to get to know someone and hear about the things that have been important to them.
Quite often I will go in to meet a patient with some flowers – that’s always a good way to start a conversation. I find out a little bit about them or I’ll sit and hold their hand if they don’t feel like talking. It’s just so rewarding to feel that you’ve given that person a little bit of happiness at a difficult time in their life.
The patients hold quite a special place in my heart. I’ve learned to just appreciate the time that I’ve had with them. To see their joy, a smile on their face or a thank you at the end of a session – it really means a lot to me and has given me comfort over my mum’s loss.”
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