The vital role of volunteers has been highlighted by the head of one of Chester’s best known and most loved charities.
To mark Volunteers’ Week, Hospice of the Good Shepherd interim chief executive Caroline Siddall praised the ‘extraordinary’ efforts of the small army of volunteers that support the hospice on a regular basis.
“We simply couldn’t be the effective and successful organisation we are without so many individuals being so willing to offer their time, effort and expertise,” Caroline said. “We currently have 418 active volunteers. They represent all ages and come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Together, over the last 12 months they have recorded a quite incredible 38,400 hours of activity on our behalf, worth no less than £438,240 to the organisation.
“Everyone has their own reason for getting involved with our hospice but what they all share is a deep belief that when it comes to the end of life, every individual in Cheshire West, Ellesmere Port and Deeside should be able to access the level of compassion, care and comfort that only a hospice can deliver, for the patient as well as for their family. “Every one of our volunteers is essential and indispensable. They are the cornerstones of so many aspects of our operation. For example, without volunteers, we simply couldn’t afford to run our Christmas tree collection which this year raised over £50,000 towards our rising costs.
“Volunteers keep our lovely hospice gardens in pristine order, they keep the hospice café running smoothly and they do an amazing job manning our eight charity shops. They also manage the hospice reception, support every one of our extensive calendar of events and take part in many different aspects of fundraising. “Some individuals choose to spend their volunteering time working on our inpatient ward and even supporting our bereavement counselling team.”
Caroline added: “We can never do full justice to the immense contribution that our supporters deliver but to mark Volunteer Week, I would like publicly to thank not just those who choose who dedicate their time to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd but to every one of the thousands of individuals who commit some of their spare time to so many different charities that operate in our area. We simply can’t do without them.”
Chris Caroe has been involved as a volunteer at the hospice for over ten years. He’s part of the Spiritual Care team under the leadership of chaplain Elaine White. Chris spends every Thursday supporting patients and their loved ones on the inpatient unit by being a listening ear for those that want to open their hearts, share their feelings or just enjoy some company and conversation.
Chris first became involved with the hospice when he was a member of Chester Grosvenor Round Table. “It was one of the charities being supported by Chester Round Table and I soon realised how important it was to so many people. “Everyone I talked to seemed to know someone – a loved one, friend, colleague, neighbour – who had in some way benefited from the hospice’s remarkable support,” Chris said.
“There is so much love for the place. It makes you want to be part of it and contribute to it. That’s why I got involved. “I’m the stranger who can be objective and who can make difficult circumstances happen, someone who has the time to sit, be a good listener, talk about anything and really care about what people have got to say. I help people start conversations and say important things that might otherwise remain unsaid. “It’s an absolute privilege to volunteer and help people open up and confide in you or just to sit with patients, hold their hands and reassure them. That can mean so much to someone in the final phase of life.”
Chris continued: “It isn’t always profound and serious. There are other conversations with plenty of smiles and giggles when we can alleviate the distress and suspend reality just for a few moments. They are moments of pure magic.”
He concluded: “I know from everything I experience here that our hospice delivers a five-star service and it’s genuinely humbling that I am contributing to that in some small way. Doing this work has become an absolute passion.”
For information about volunteering at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, contact the Volunteer Services team on 01244 851091.
For details of other volunteering opportunities within the Chester/ Ellesmere Port area, contact Cheshire West Voluntary Action on 01244 401272.