To celebrate Volunteers Week, we would like to say a huge thanks to all of our volunteers who help us care for local families at the hospice, at home or at our shops all year round.
Volunteers Week from 1st – 7th of June is a time to say thanks for the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. It’s also a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution that our volunteers make to Helen & Douglas House.
Helen & Douglas House will be celebrating Volunteers Week by sending thank you cards to all 404 volunteers and they have invited them to an afternoon tea party in the hospice garden with Clare Periton, Chief Executive, with a flower arranging demonstration, raffle and a quiz.
In 2021/22, our 404 volunteers donated over 4,500 hours of their time, and over 30% of these have volunteered for Helen & Douglas House for over 10 years which is testament to how much they enjoy volunteering for us.
At Helen & Douglas House, we offer a wide range of great volunteering opportunities across the county and beyond, from working in the community in one of our shops, to maintaining the garden at the hospice, or helping families at home with chores like shopping or gardening to name a few.
Our amazing Rose Hill volunteers
Robert Honey has been volunteering at a Helen & Douglas House shop for 6 years and comes into our Rose Hill shop 3 days a week to manage books, DVD’s and CD’s.
Robert said ‘I started volunteering because I was looking for something to get myself out of the house and keep my brain working. I love books so I really like this volunteer role because it is dealing with something that interests me. I like volunteering at Helen & Douglas House because I am left to make my own decisions and I can manage the books in the way I think is best and I am empowered to do this. The Rose Hill shop is a nice place to volunteer because we laugh a lot and it is like being part of one big family.’
Suzanne Saunter, Head of Volunteering at Helen & Douglas House said ‘Despite a tough couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteers have remained steadfast in their support of Helen & Douglas House, and the families who depend on us – and we couldn’t be more thankful. From keeping our office and shops running, to maintaining the serene hospice garden and supporting families, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation.
‘During times of difficulty, we naturally reflect on what’s important and often make changes to our lives, and so to see so many loyal volunteers – some who have been with us upward of 15 years – return to volunteer with us is truly humbling and a testimony to the great work Helen & Douglas House delivers every day for families in our local communities.’
Want to volunteer for Helen & Douglas House?
If you are interested in volunteering for Helen & Douglas House and have a few hours spare, please contact us at volunteering@helenanddouglas.org.uk or call 01865 794749. Alternatively pop into your local Helen & Douglas House shop and meet the team as many of our shops are recruiting volunteers.