Approximately 280 voluntary staff work in several different areas in the hospice, providing essential service. Their duties include tea bar, reception, gardening, transporting patients from home to day hospice, supporting day hospice services and providing clerical support to the nursing staff and Hospice Trust staff. We also have teams at our two charity shops in Mansfield.
The voluntary staff are an integral part of the hospice team. We are very proud of them, and thank them for their wonderful commitment. They are regularly referred to in letters of thanks from families and friends of the hospice patients, who remember them for their care and concern.
Their dedication and commitment were deservedly acknowledged by Nottingham Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in March 2015, when they were presented with an O.S.C.A.R (Outstanding Service Contribution and Recognition) for the Non-Clinical Team of the Year.
Why volunteer?
Here are some reasons why people choose to volunteer:
- There is a sense of ‘giving back’
- To have rewarding experiences and gain job satisfaction
- It makes good use of spare time
- To make new friendships
- To learn new skills and gain experience
- For enjoyment and fun
Our volunteers range in age from 18 to 80, with different backgrounds and experiences, and each with their own personal reason for being here.
Whatever their motivation, we are delighted to work alongside them and have the precious gift of their time.
What opportunities are available?
Reception
Our reception is staffed by three different teams between the hours of 9am and 8.30pm, 365 days a year. Reception staff welcome all visitors to the hospice, including visitors to the in-patient unit and those attending meetings with staff. They also receive all incoming telephone calls and refer the caller to the appropriate person.
Tea Bar
Tea bar is also staffed between 9am and 8.30pm, 365 days a year. Tea bar staff serve refreshments to patients, staff and visitors.
Day Hospice
Day hospice voluntary staff support the work of the nursing staff and Social Activities Coordinator. They may work in a befriending role, offering company and assistance or do craft work and activities with patients.
Drivers
Our drivers transport day patients to the hospice and home again in their own car. Patients who are unable to transfer to a car because of restricted mobility travel in the hospice minibus. Minibus drivers are accompanied by an assistant, known as an escort.
Patients are brought to the hospice for 10am and are taken home at 3pm. Usually the drivers go home between those hours.
Clerical Assistants
Voluntary staff provide invaluable clerical support on the nurses station on the in-patient unit which enables the nursing staff to spend more time with patients and families.
Complementary Therapies
The benefits of complementary therapies for patients and carers are widely acknowledged. A qualified team of volunteers support the Complementary Therapy Co-ordinator in the provision of a range of therapies including Reiki, reflexology and aromatherapy massage.
Hairdressers
Hairdressers work in our fully equipped salon and offer a range of services to patients.
Gardeners
Voluntary staff work hard throughout the year to create and maintain attractive gardens for everyone to enjoy.
Fundraising
Hospice Support Groups arrange fundraising activities in their local community to raise vital funds for the Hospice Trust. New members are always welcome.#
Volunteers assist our Fundraising Officer with the management of donated goods. They also help at hospice fundraising events and those held in the community.
Charity Shops
The Hospice Trust has two shops in Mansfield, one on Queen Street and one on Oxford Street. As well as selling donated clothes, books and bric-a-brac to raise funds, the shops are our beacons in the community.
If you have time to spare and would like further information, please complete the form below: