Why volunteer?

Volunteering not only helps your local hospice, but it benefits you too! If you have some time spare on your hands, whether that’s because you work flexibly, you’re retiring, or you have some time off; volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways you can spend it. At St Helena, volunteers make real change, change that they can see, by giving their time and skills.

“I can see that what I do directly helps the patient and that gives me a good feeling. That good feeling motivates me to come back and keep helping.”

            - Malcolm, maintenance volunteer

“I think that it’s just great that I can help people who are coming to the end of their life. It really makes you want to help.”

            - Stuart, people and cultures volunteer

Volunteering is also a great way to feel a part of the community. It’s easy to feel isolated when you don’t see people regularly, and if you’ve recently moved, retired or left your job, it might be a struggle to meet new people. Volunteering at St Helena enables you to get to know other volunteers, staff, customers and even patients.

“My favourite part about of volunteering at St Helena was being able to meet so many people.”

            - Wendy, current shop manager, previously a volunteer

“I get to meet so many volunteers and all different kinds of people. Regulars always come in and ask if I’d like to have a chat.”

            - Billy, café volunteer

Many people also have the misconception that volunteering with a hospice charity will be tense or negative – but that’s not the case!

“I thought it would be all doom and gloom but that is not the case! Everybody smiles and everybody waves – it is surprisingly positive.”

            - Malcolm, maintenance volunteer