St Gemma’s couldn’t be here without our volunteers. Every day of the year, our volunteers selflessly give their time across the whole of the organisation – supporting patients, working hard behind the scenes, contributing to our fundraising, keeping our retail operation going, and so much more.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of volunteering and an extra opportunity for us to say thank you for their brilliant contribution.
This week, we are sharing stories from across St Gemma’s to show the wide-reaching impact of their support.
Emma’s Story
“I began my volunteering journey at St Gemma’s a little over four years ago as a Ward Admin Volunteer, coming in every other week to support the Ward Secretaries.”
“I began my volunteering journey at St Gemma’s a little over four years ago as a Ward Admin Volunteer, coming in every other week to support the Ward Secretaries. I loved this role but it was sadly cut short due to Covid. Luck really wasn’t on my side and just as the world was beginning to close down I also sustained a spinal cord injury, life looked very different for me but as soon as volunteers were allowed back into the Hospice I was welcomed back with open arms and also reassured that if I found anything difficult or inaccessible I just had to say and things would be altered to help me fit in. I felt as though I was part of the team and not a bother at all. I should have expected nothing less from St Gemma’s.
“While the wards were still keeping strict restrictions and my volunteering role inevitably changed. I undertook a new role within the community team assisting with admin and also helping Charlotte the Volunteer Coordinator with any tasks I could. It gave me a new perspective within the hospice.
“As more volunteers were reintroduced again it became apparent that there was an opening for a lead volunteer to manage Ward Volunteers. I was extremely honoured to be offered this role, it offered me more challenges and also a greater insight into another part of the Hospice.
“At the moment we have a team of four Ward Shoppers and one Ward Companion but there is an exciting project underway that will hopefully introduce more volunteers to the wards and be of benefit to both patients and staff.
“I feel very lucky to have found such a lovely place to volunteer and St Gemma’s welcomes all volunteers as a part of the team. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. It’s a truly wonderful organisation to be part of.”
Trish’s Story
Trish volunteers in our Moortown shop, where she supports us in the donation room with her fabulous steaming skills!
“I really enjoy my role, the people I volunteer with, and giving back to the local community. I held back from volunteering initially as I needed a flexible role but after a chat with the shop manager I decided to give it a go and I’m still here ….years later.”
Fabulous Fundraising Volunteers
Marshals, stall supporters, tombola organisers, refreshment makers, knitters and sewers, hamper creators, events coordinators, raffle sellers…the list of ways our fundraising volunteers lend a hand is endless! Their collective support saves the Hospice thousands of pounds in running costs and contributes to the millions we need to raise every year to fund our patient services.
In the last year, this fabulous group of volunteers and many more have supported us with our fundraising events.
Learning New Skills
“Seeing our volunteers grow in confidence and learn new skills is a pleasure.”
Our E-commerce manager reflects on the support volunteers provide us and how proud she is of the team: “Some of our volunteers had very limited computer knowledge before starting in our department. They can now comfortably use a laptop and process stock for us.
“We have a group of 11 committed volunteers who list items online, process books, DVDs, CDs, stock and research sold values. As well as PAT testers and our specialists who are able to offer specific knowledge on jewellery items and coins. Our department is going from strength to strength!”
Having a Positive Impact for Patients
Volunteers are at the heart of St Gemma’s and have an impact across all areas of our work.
Shona Eyre, Outpatients & Therapy Manager shares her thoughts on the impact our volunteers have in her team:
“The skills that our volunteers provide should not be underestimated in their importance for allowing the patients to feel able to put their concerns to one side, even if only for a brief period of time.
“Our volunteers are the friendly smiling face that welcomes people to our groups. Whether they provide a complementary therapy, provide insightful creative sessions, drive our patients to groups, visit with Pets as Therapy dogs, make drinks and chat. All these volunteers make up the team that supports our patients and carers with their wellbeing and enables them to feel supported on their palliative journey.”
Our volunteers are the friendly smiling face that welcomes people to our groups.
Making a Difference on Our Wards
Hailey is one of our Ward Shoppers. After years of thinking about volunteering, Hailey made the decision to embark on her volunteer journey last year and has not looked back since. Every Friday she brings a smile to her volunteering session as she visits patients.
“I enjoy giving my time to a local charity, it’s really different to my day job and I really enjoy the interactions with patients, listening and chatting about anything that comes up.”
A heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers who shared their story – and to all of our volunteers who generously give their time across the organisation. Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers for your contribution towards local patient care.
