After my retirement from teaching in 2005 I applied to be a volunteer at Trinity. I love being around people and enjoy being busy and I knew that I wanted to do something positive with my time. My father in law had passed away here and I knew that the care he had received had been outstanding.
I found everyone to be very welcoming and felt part of the team as soon as I started. I didn’t know anyone else who volunteered here but I soon made lots of new friends.
I currently volunteer on the Main Reception desk every Tuesday afternoon. The role is varied and requires me to be very emotionally aware of who I’m talking to, whether that be patients, their relatives and friends, other volunteers or members of the general public. Reception is often the first point of contact for many people coming to the Hospice for the first time and a friendly face and listening ear can help put people at ease.
As a volunteer I feel well supported and have benefitted from attending optional in house training on different topics including talking to bereaved relatives.
In addition to volunteering in Reception I am involved with two volunteer committees which feedback to the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team. I feel that all volunteers are valued and listened to.
I give my time and commitment to Trinity but I feel I get so much more out of volunteering than I give. It is hugely rewarding.
