Volunteers
Volunteers contribute a great deal to the quality of care provided by assisting in the care of patients and their relatives. They are highly valued by the staff and their work is much appreciated by patients and their families.
The Hospice offers volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and achieve satisfaction in giving something back to their community. We provide on- the-job training and an induction which introduces you to the work of the hospice and volunteers. Volunteers are also encouraged to attend any educational courses that are run by the Hospice.
The aim of the volunteer is to strengthen the workforce of the Hospice / Palliative Care Team and provide a complementary service which under the supervision of the professional team, gives practical and supportive help to the patients, relatives and the bereaved whenever and wherever possible.
We currently use volunteers in 6 key areas namely:-
- In-patient area
- Day Care
- Library
- Gardening
- Bereavement Support Group
- Hospice Magistrate Courts Tea Bars (Fundraising)
At present we have 32 Volunteers working within St Benedict's Hospice, approximately 10 working at our charity shop and 29 serving refreshments within the Magistrate Courts in Sunderland and Houghton. Most of our volunteers work approximately 3 hours per day one day a week covering mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
The volunteers at St. Benedict's Hospice in Sunderland received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2005. This voluntary group is one of only 92 organisations to win an award this year. Created in 2002 for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, winners are nominated by members of the public who have either benefited from their work or seen the positive effect it has on their community. Awards are only given to those groups who have regularly devoted their time to providing an outstanding level of service to other people.
For further information on volunteering for St Benedict's Hospice please contact Julie Dagg on 0191 569 9191.
For further information on volunteering (fundraising) please contact Anne Oliver on 0191 569 9194
Or alternatively click here for the application form (155k PDF)
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