Want to volunteer? We need you!
Fancy driving patients to appointments? Or helping to man a reception desk? These are just a couple of jobs dedicated volunteers carry out at Doncaster’s Hospice.
Now that volunteers are returning after the COVID-19 outbreak, more are needed to support the valuable work carried out at St John’s Hospice in Balby, Doncaster.
John Copley, of Fishlake, a volunteer driver for eight years at the hospice, said: “I live on my own and volunteering to me means I have something to get up for and it makes a big difference to me and others. I also meet a lot of really nice people. The hospice is a really great place to volunteer. It’s a happy atmosphere.”
Joe Threadgold, of Sykehouse, who has volunteered for seven years, added: “I find it very satisfying helping others. We also enjoy ourselves and have banter with the staff.”
While Elizabeth Taylor, of Wheatley, who has volunteered for 50 years, said: “Volunteering means friendship and knowing you’re helping people.”
Also Helen Richards, of Wheatley, said “I have been a volunteer for five years on the reception and I love it. My husband was a patient here and he was well-treated and cared for. I thought it would a nice place to come and volunteer. I am still working but in my spare time I like to volunteer and find it very rewarding”.
Lindsay Richards, who manages the volunteers at St John’s Hospice, said: ”Our volunteers are vital. They support our patients by taking them refreshments, have a chat with them, help with arts and crafts, serve lunches, and we also need drivers, as a number of our drivers decided not to return after COVID-19. If anyone out there wants to volunteer with us we’d love to hear from them.
“Did you know that helping others and volunteering has been shown to have a positive impact on the lives of volunteers, helping them to gain new skills and to boost self-esteem. We really value our volunteers – they’re fabulous. Why not come and join them?”
You can also watch our youtube videos to find out more – listen to our volunteers here:
Interested? If so, please contact Lindsay by either emailing [email protected] or call Doncaster 796662.
Pictured is John and Joe, our hospice volunteers.