Do you have time to spare : The Hospice has volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and each one has a very personal reason for offering their time. Without their help the Hospice would not be what it is today.

“The Hospice was founded by volunteers led by Alice Bendle and we cannot underestimate the importance of their role in the charity’s growth and the valuable work they have enabled. We would like to thank them all!”

We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team and no previous experience is necessary. We provide all the training needed to help people get the most out of the experience. We are also looking for professionals or retired professionals, whose skills could complement those of our own team and help our patients and their loved ones, get the high standards of care they deserve.

Volunteers at the Hospice get involved in all aspects of our work to help improve the lives of local people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved one. Here are just a few of the areas volunteers complement.

Day Hospice/Day Care

Assisting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Day Hospice volunteers get involved in various activities giving support and friendship to those who use this outpatient service. Card making, craft and music skills that volunteers have also help the team offer various activities for patients to take part in.

Administration

The administration team supports the work of all departments at the Hospice and there are many tasks volunteers can complete as a vital part of that. The team look for people with good computer skills to help create spreadsheets, update databases and type letters. Other members also provide much needed support with filing, photocopying and mailings.

Counselling & Support Service

The Community Bereavement Service is a vital service for adults, young people and children supported greatly by a team of skilled volunteers. Volunteers for this service undergo an accredited training course to enable them to effectively support bereaved people both individually and through the drop-in group.

Reception

Receptionists are often the first point of contact with the Hospice, whether face to face or on the telephone. Organised and professional individuals help give a warm welcome to patients, families and visitors who come to the Hospice and maintain the high quality, friendly service.

Fundraising

Our fundraising team has many volunteers who provide support by raising vital funds needed to continue Hospice services. These volunteers help in various ways such as attending events, collecting donations and delivering prizes. This dedicated team helps events run smoothly and keep us on target to raising funds.

Inpatient Care

Volunteers in patient care areas complement the Hospice clinical team to provide specialist care every day of the year, enhancing the well-being of patients and their families. Their role can involve assisting at mealtimes, with refreshments or offering a listening ear.

Gardening

Green figured volunteers keep the Hospice grounds blooming helping patients enjoy the pleasant surroundings. People who are not afraid to get their hands dirty see their hard efforts benefiting patients and visitors who can enjoy the seasonal flowers and well kept lawns and patios.

Charity Shops

Over 60% of all hospice volunteers assist in the running of the seven Charity shops across Hartlepool and east Durham. The shop assistants are able to gain valuable retail experience, on-going training, and the opportunity to engage as part of a caring team. They also enjoy meeting many different people from all walks of life and contribute greatly in the support of Hospice services.

Housekeeping/Maintenance

Kitchens, laundry, maintenance and cleaning services all benefit from the dedicated time of volunteers. With on the job training and support, the workforce ensures all domestic aspects of the Hospice are kept at a high standard.

Trustees

Trustees are responsible for setting strategies; overseeing the correct running of the organisation to carry out its aims through the policies and procedures laid down, whilst conforming to charity law; line managing the Chief Executive through the chair; attending trustee meetings which allows trustees to stay in touch with what is going on and to make informed decisions about matters brought before them – by the Chief Executive.

Unique roles

As well as assisting in all areas of the Hospice environment, volunteers with specialist skills offer something extra special to our services. Many people have offered their time as calligraphists, complimentary therapists, electrical testers, hairdressers, financial advisers and chaplaincy helpers. We also have a small team of volunteer photographers who help document the day to day activities in the Hospice, provide photographs for our annual Hospice Calendar and who attend events to take photographs which we use in our promotional materials.  In addition to completing tasks, volunteers also help to promote the services the Hospice offers and the funding needs by speaking at events and community engagements in the area.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunty to volunteer at the Hospice over the last year and a half.  Your friendliness and constant reassurance made me feel instantly at ease and you have all helped me immensely in this time.  I have gained insight and have learned a great deal in my time and I am hugely grateful for all of your support.”