“We have around 1,000 volunteers, who help in many different roles throughout our organisation,” says Julia Morpeth, Phyllis Tuckwell’s Voluntary Services Manager. “Many work closely with our patients, offering professional expertise such as counselling, physiotherapy or nursing, while others undertake more general roles such as helping on reception or on the In-Patient Unit, tending to the gardens, or driving patients to and from Day Hospice sessions.”

Phyllis Tuckwell values its volunteers highly and is keen to utilise their broad range of abilities. “Many are looking for a way to develop their skills, re-train, or get back into work after having had some time off,” says Ms Morpeth. “We have worked hard to develop a robust and comprehensive training programme for those who will be taking on a patient-facing role, as well as providing all of our volunteers with an overview of the care we offer our patients and relatives, at our induction days.”

All of Phyllis Tuckwell’s patient-facing volunteers are asked to complete the appropriate training, depending on the role they will be taking on. Level 1 training includes topics such as communications skills and infection control, and is aimed at volunteers who will be helping as ward clerks, receptionists or drivers, for example. Level 2 covers subjects including confidentiality and the impact of grief on the bereaved, and is for those helping in roles such as counselling, complementary therapy or Hospice Home Support. New volunteers also shadow an experienced volunteer and are supervised or mentored, providing them with ongoing support.

“We are indebted to our volunteers,” continues Ms Morpeth, “and we are confident in the support they provide because of the robust training they undertake. This training is delivered across our organisation by all of our managers, providing consistency and ensuring that we are able to offer a safe and effective service. It is one of the reasons that our volunteers enjoy helping here so much. By giving them this support, they are able to develop their skills, take on fulfilling roles and really feel that they are making a difference.”

With the help of these volunteers, and the dedication of Phyllis Tuckwell’s hard-working staff, the charity is able to care for over 250 patients, relatives and carers every day, at the Hospice, the Beacon Centre, and in patients’ own homes.

Are you looking for a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend some spare time? If you would like a volunteering role which can offer you training and development, contact Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care to find out about current volunteer vacancies. Call Julia Morpeth on 01252 729431 or email julia.morpeth@pth.org.uk