WILLOW Wood Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for adults with life limiting illnesses – all made possible by support from its volunteers.
There is currently a team of around 500 volunteers who help in many different ways and in every part of the Ashton-based hospice.
But Volunteer Services Manager Lisa Pye is appealing for more volunteers to come forward and lend a hand.
“We are in need of volunteer assistance in a few crucial areas, including our retail division,” she said.
“With eight shops, a café and a huge distribution centre all needing to be staffed six days a week, there are always roles to be filled.
“And as our shops raise a huge part of the funds needed to enable us to care for our patients and their families, these really are vital roles.
“Our volunteers really are the heart of the Hospice. We could not continue our care without them.”
Mark Llewellin, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and a volunteer, added: “Our shops play a large part in our success but we have other positions needing to be filled too, all of which make a difference to the lives of local people.
“We currently need volunteers in our kitchen to help in the preparation and serving of meals to patients and their visitors, to our staff and to our Hospice-based volunteers.
“The old saying ‘an army marches on its stomach’ is true, and freshly prepared, nutritious and enjoyable meals and snacks help everyone perform at their peak.
“Our fundraising team also have need of volunteers to help at events. Whether manning a stall or selling raffle tickets at events such or checking in walkers at our Twilight Wander coming up in September, there are many areas where support is needed.
“As a volunteer myself I have to say that, in addition to knowing you’re helping your community, volunteering is a lot of fun. You’re meeting like-minded people and I can promise you that you’ll have a lot of fun.”
• If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Willow Wood, there is plenty of information online at www.willowwood.info including a volunteer application form.
My Husband is a Volunteer on a Wednesday as a Therapist. I would like to also help. I have worked in a kitchen clearing up, filling the dish washer in a local church but working in the same location as Colin would work well for both of us.
Hi ????
I’m very interested in doing some volantary work for a couple of days.
I am retired lady age 69 and feel I would I could help in some way
I would love to give my time in helping I used to work in a care home having worked with all kinds of patients from ederly ,dementia end of life and rest bite i have my nvq and would love to have this kind of role again.
I would love to give my time in helping I used to work in a care home having worked with all kinds of patients from ederly ,dementia end of life and respite i have my nvq and would love to have this kind of role again.