People across Leeds will have a unique opportunity this month to find out first-hand about the volunteering roles available to them at their local Sue Ryder hospice.
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice will open its doors on Thursday 27 July from 1.30-3.30pm for a special event about the benefits of volunteering for the charity and to give prospective volunteers an insight into the roles on offer at the hospice. The informal drop-in event will include a talk from the hospices’ Service Director, Paul Musgrave, plus an opportunity to chat to existing volunteers and ask them questions over tea, coffee and cake. Those currently working at the Leeds-based hospice hope that by inviting people in to hear from them in-person they can help bust the myths many hold about a hospice environment.
Anne Miller, who is a volunteer in the hospices’ Day Therapy Unit said:
“I want people to know that volunteering at a hospice is not depressing like people might think. I meet so many different people and get to hear their life stories. It’s very interesting. We even have a laugh together. I feel that not only am I helping patients but also the staff who never seem to stop. It’s so rewarding, my role is so varied from helping serve lunches, to chatting to patients and helping to run activities. There is so much you can do that makes a difference.”
Kate Mscroft-Paylor, who volunteers as Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice biographer said:
“I was inspired to volunteer for Sue Ryder after my own personal experience of a life-threatening illness. I want to help patients enjoy their lives and support their families and loved ones too. The best thing about volunteering with Sue Ryder is the whole team spirit in this caring environment where vulnerable patients are at the forefront of person-centred care. It is a privilege to work with so many wonderful patients and staff. I would really recommend others to volunteer at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. I gain so much from volunteering; it is a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with wonderful people at a very vulnerable time.”
As well as volunteering roles like Anne and Kate’s, the hospice is urgently looking to recruit volunteer drivers, to help collect individuals from their homes and drive them to the hospice for much-needed support, care and symptom management.
Paul Musgrave, Service Director at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice explains the vital role of a hospice volunteer:
“Our volunteers help us to be there when it matters, providing dedicated and compassionate palliative care to patients as well as supporting their families. We are so incredibly grateful to each volunteer, who gives their time so generously and their support makes a huge difference to the patients and families in our care. Our existing team of volunteers are brilliant, but we need more boots on the ground and hope that people will come along to our volunteer event to find out more.
“We are particularly looking for driver volunteers to work as part of a rota so that we can ensure our patients are able to access all the support services we provide. If you have access to a car and enjoy speaking to people, this would be a great way of giving back to your local community. As a volunteer joining our hospice, you will receive full training and will be part of a buddy system for support. It’s such a rewarding role, but don’t just take my word for it come and find out more for yourself.”
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is located in Headingley, Leeds and provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition, as well as supporting their families. We also offer community services for people who prefer to receive palliative care at home. For over 65 years our doctors, nurses and carers have given people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.
In order to continue to provide and develop our services and expert care we rely predominantly on income from our charity shops, fundraising activities, and donations from members of the public.
To find out more or to register for the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice volunteers’ event on Thursday 27 July between 1.30 and 3.30pm. If you are interested in volunteering with Sue Ryder but can’t attend on the day, please visit Sue Ryder Wheatfield Hospice
