Volunteer Stories

Why did you decide to volunteer for Hospice at Home West Cumbria?

It was a way of reconnecting with the community as I'd been away for 48 years down south. I wanted to interact with people, support them, engaging with the public and people as individuals and listening to them. It also gives me an outlet for two days of the week.

What is your role and what does it involve?

I volunteer in the hospice shop, which is engaging with the customers, looking at the merchandise we put out and pricing them. As well as interacting with other volunteers as a team, and helping to support the manager, Judith.

What are the challenges of your role and what do you enjoy about your role?

I don't think I've actually met any challenges, as I've been dealing with the public throughout my whole career, whether it was in childcare, adults or the elderly. It's something I've always done, even as a little girl I always wanted to support people.

How do you feel about Hospice at Home West Cumbria?

I feel that HHWC is an organisation for the community, they support the community and there is a a need for organisations like ourselves. I think it's very important that we are working for those who are in need in West Cumbria.

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I was looking for something useful to do in retirement and had been a supporter of the hospice movement since the early 2000's. As a receptionist, I answer the telephone and book visitors and staff in and out of the Therapy and Information Centre. As an eBay volunteer, I sell items that have been donated to the charity to raise funds.

Being a volunteer is a very rewarding role and it gives me great satisfaction to know I am helping a charity to provide vital services to families in West Cumbria.

Barbara also volunteers on the charity board as a Trustee, we are very thankful for the time and commitment Barbara puts into supporting our charity. Our charity could not provide the range of services it does without the commitment and contribution of a wide range of volunteers. Everyone’s contribution counts.

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I chose to volunteer with Hospice at Home West Cumbria because they do a fantastic job in our community. I enjoy making a difference to a patient or carer's day when they can attend a group or complementary therapy session.

After a short while of Mark volunteering, it became apparent that Mark was very confident talking to members of the public and was a great ambassador for our charity. After a few months of joining as a volunteer, Mark agreed to take on an extra role as Community Champion for our hospice.

The hospice does such great work supporting patients and families across West Cumbria, everyone should be able to access their services when needed. It is my role to ensure as many people as possible know about the services that are available to people living with a palliative diagnosis.

If you know of any groups or clubs that would like to know a little bit more about Hospice at Home West Cumbria, how we were founded and the services we provide then please contact mark.sarrington@hhwc.org.uk who is happy to get in touch.