VOLUNTEERING FOR THE MARY ANN EVANS HOSPICE

Whatever your particular skills or interests, the chances are that there is something you can do as a Volunteer at the
Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

Volunteer Value’ – a survey into the economic value of Volunteers within Hospice care has found that the value to charitable hospices in the UK is likely to be over £112m. This means if hospices paid people to do the work done by Volunteers, their costs would increase by nearly a quarter. For English adult hospices, the value of Volunteers was almost equivalent to the total contribution they received from the NHS.

When asked what does being a Volunteer really involve, Ann Williams, Volunteer Liaison Director replied “When someone asks mewhat I do and I say I support Volunteers at the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, there is usually a pause and then a question ‘What sort of things do Volunteers do?’ This is not a question with a short answer. People are often amazed to hear the diversity of support, some volunteer on a regular basis and some as a short term project or a ‘one off’ job.

Volunteers help in the Hospice, in the Hospice Shops, in the Fundraising Department and at fundraising events. Volunteers also transport Patients to and from the Hospice as well as driving the Hospice minibus and help in the garden and offer bereavement support.

By donating ‘time and effort’ the volunteers have saved the Mary Ann Evans Hospice the magnificent sum of approximately £100,000. Josie has been a volunteer since she retired and like a lot of volunteers she gets much satisfaction from donating her time.

She said,“ I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend at the Hospice, as I find it a very welcoming place.
All the staff and patients are so friendly that I feel part of a large extended family."

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO HELP AS AT THE MARY ANN EVANS HOSPICE IN THESE AREAS

"It is a very happy and positive place, if anyone has a problem there is always someone to listen, they may not be able to change anything, but there is always a caring and understanding ear. It is very satisfying seeing how the Patients enjoy their time at the Hospice, and it must also give some respite to the carers. Working on Reception is pleasurable in many ways as you are the first person everyone sees when they arrive, particularly when new patients arrive on their first day, and are very often a little apprehensive. It is very satisfying being able to smile, put them at ease and escort them down to the lounge. I like many volunteers leave the Hospice with a sense of fulfillment knowing that I have hopefully put something back into society.”
Volunteer Josie

Volunteer Margaret in the garden

Volunteer Handbook

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