Volunteering - a way of life

Whatever your age, ability or experience, being a volunteer can enhance your life and bring a sense of personal satisfaction and meaning.

Our volunteers make up the majority of our work force and wherever they work, enjoy fun and laughter themselves as well as helping to make our patients lives more bearable. Whether you are helping to raise funds or directly supporting the patients and staff in the hospice, your role is vital. Without our volunteers we simply could not run.

The Martlets Hospice has over 400 regular volunteers. Their contribution is worth over £400,000 annually (i.e.in salary saving), but their value goes far beyond the monetary worth. Patients, relatives and staff all enjoy the work that they do and they in turn have the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing something worthwhile.

The Hospice is an excellent place to volunteer. It is a very caring environment. Volunteers are respected and valued and they in turn blossom from their contact with the Hospice. They can see the difference their contribution makes.

Some of the Ways in Which Volunteers Choose to Help Us...

Working in the shops and warehouse.
Driving visitors and patients to the Hospice and elsewhere.
Collecting medical supplies and taking patients for X-rays.
Preparing and serving teas, coffees and meals to our patients.
Arranging flowers for patients' rooms and other areas.
Gardening.
Manning our reception desks.
Supporting our administrative staff.
Assisting day hospice staff with recreational activities for patients.
Distributing and collecting charity boxes in the community.
Helping at fundraising events.
Visiting the bereaved.
Providing manicures for patients.
Working in the hospice library.

To discuss becoming a volunteer please contact Angela Walters on 01273 273400 or email us

Volunteers Terms and Conditions

A volunteer is anyone who, without compensation (beyond reimbursement of expenses incurred in the course of his/her duties) performs a task or tasks at the discretion of and on behalf of the hospice. A volunteer must be officially registered and inducted prior to performance of the task/tasks. Two satisfactory references are required and a CRB check if working with patients.

Insurance

Any volunteer working on hospice premises or for the hospice at other premises is covered by our public liability insurance.

What You Can Expect From Us

To be provided with role guidelines and description.
To be given initial and on-going training, both specific to area of involvement and general to the hospice.
Not to be over-burdened in either responsibility or time and feel able to share this if it occurs.
To feel part of a team and able to communicate views and feelings to staff.
To be recognised, respected and to feel secure.
To be kept informed of developments and changes within the hospice.
To be supervised and supported.
To be offered 'out of pocket' expenses.

What We Can Expect From You

To comply with Martlets Hospice Volunteer Recruitment/Trailing process.
To be reliable and committed to duties which have been agreed.
To uphold patient, volunteer and staff confidentiality at all times.
To maintain hospice standards of care, personal conduct and personal dress codes.
To participate in training and update meetings as arranged for specific area.
To value and respect diversity in patients, staff and other volunteers regardless of age, sex, race, ability or sexual orientation.
To use whatever process of communication is appropriate for each area where the volunteers work, eg, notice boards, communication books.

Training, Supervision and Support

All volunteers are provided with an initial induction day on joining the hospice. Volunteers are then placed alongside another established volunteer who will introduce them to their role. Further support, training and supervision will be provided throughout the volunteering time.