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Do something life changing

Our 300+ volunteers give their time and expertise to us free of charge and help us to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They are highly valued by our staff and their work is much appreciated by patients and their families.

Why Volunteer?

Many of us have been touched by the heartbreak of cancer or other life threatening illness among our family and friends. People tell us that volunteering is a way of giving something back.

In addition, the Hospice offers the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and uncover hidden talents that you never knew you had. No experience is necessary as we provide on the job training and an induction programme. This will give you a greater understanding of the service that the Hospice provides and ensure that you feel confident and adequately prepared for your new role.

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds - anyone aged 18 years and over who has some spare time and would like to help their local hospice. We hope to start our Young Volunteer Programme mid 2008.

If you have lost someone close within the previous year, particularly if that person was a Hospice patient, we would usually ask that you postpone becoming a volunteer until at least 2 years have passed. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis. We may also recommend that you start by volunteering in one of our shops rather than directly in the Hospice itself. You can always transfer to the Hospice at a later date!

How Much Time Do Volunteers Need to Commit?

A few hours week makes a huge difference to St Mary's and helps keep the Hospice running. There are no full time volunteer roles. Most areas work on a rota system and the time commitment can vary from two hours once a fortnight to four hours once a week. Your hours as a volunteer can be arranged to fit in with your other commitments.

Occasionally we take on volunteers for short term placements such as over the summer holidays. If you are thinking of volunteering for a couple of months for example, you need to plan ahead as soon as possible to allow for the paperwork involved in recruiting and starting volunteers.

How To Become A Volunteer?

You will need to complete an Enrolment Form and provide us with the name and address of two referees. Your referee can be a friend, neighbour or a professional person but not a relative.

By law, any volunteers having contact with patients or their families will also be subject to a Criminal Records Disclosure. We will explain this to you in more detail when we meet with you.

Once your Enrolment Form is received, you will be invited to meet with the Voluntary Services Team to discuss a possible placement.

Please be aware that there are often lots of people applying for volunteer roles at the same time, attending an interview does not automatically grant you a volunteer place. The Hospice follows a fair and equitable recruitment process to ensure that we place the right person in the right role at the right time. If we are unable to offer you a place on this round we will provide you with information to follow up other volunteering opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like further information please contact Voluntary Services on 0121 472 1191.