Joanna talks about her time volunteering for Hospice At Home West Cumbria and the memories she's made along the way:
How long have you volunteered for Hospice At Home West Cumbria?
Since 2009, starting with the collection boxes in Cockermouth with my friend Helen, and we did that for years. Then the shop opened in Cockermouth, the two of us did a Thursday morning, and then the craft group started in Cockermouth so we were both in that.
I did get a job and had a break for a few years, and then I came back again!
There’s a collection box in nearly every shop in Cockermouth. After the floods, me and my friend said once the shops reopened, we would put a collection box in every shop in Cockermouth.
What is your role and what does it involve?
At the moment, I do the reception on a Wednesday morning, I will then do store collections. I love doing store collections, you’re always on with someone, it’s great to meet people and people are really generous. I then bag pack at Workington, and help out where I can. Generally, just anything that needs doing, if I’m available to do it, I’ll help do it.
What made you volunteer at Hospice At Home West Cumbria to begin with?
I was friends with someone at school who ended up being the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the time. One day she just asked me and my friend Helen if we wanted to volunteer. We both said yes and that was it!
What are the challenges in your role and what do you enjoy about your role?
On reception, you have to be aware about who’s coming into the Therapy and Information Centre and why they’re here. Always ask who they are and who they’ve come to see. Sometimes people will come in and be emotional or ask for help, and it’s good to know how to interact with them.
You just have to say, “take your time, when you’re ready”. You just have to have patience.
I did used to be a volunteer patient driver, bringing people in. I absolutely loved that, I really got to know a lady who was quite unwell, I always used to let her start the conversation in the car. She was so funny, we used to have the funniest conversations. You just have to go with the flow, as to how that person wants to talk.
What three words or quote would you use to describe Hospice At Home West Cumbria?
Fabulous! Necessary? There when you need it! You know it’s going to be there if you need it! Reliable and dependable.
Are there any other comments, stories or memories you’d like to include?
The Midnight Walk hasn’t been done for a while, so it’s nice it’s coming back. I did one of those with my friend, we set off from Tesco’s in Workington, the rotary club set you off. It was a lovely warm night, we walked right around Workington and we couldn’t believe how many people were stood outside at 1 o’clock in the morning clapping and cheering us on. It showed how many supporters and families have used or knew about the services.
Also, when I went to Windsor castle, it was a privilege to go. It was a Carers Reception that was celebrating carers around the country, and I met Queen Camilla.