Springhill Hospice - what it’s like to volunteer?

With over 450 volunteers, Springhill Hospice knows first-hand the importance and value of volunteering in the community. People from across the borough help out in all aspects of the hospice, in roles including assisting on the wards, in the kitchen preparing and serving food, serving customers in one of the nine retail shops and so much more.

Volunteers at the hospice vary in age, some have been volunteering at the hospice since it opened its doors 30 years ago, and they come from different backgrounds, but they all have one goal; to support the hospice.

On the back of Springhill Hospice being awarded the Queens Awards for Voluntary Services this week; we spoke to one of the volunteers at the hospice to find out about what it’s like to volunteer.

Carole Merchant has been a volunteer at Springhill Hospice’s Coffee at the Craven since 2014. She is a vital member of the volunteer team who run front of house in the café.

• What made you want to become a volunteer at Springhill? 

“After retiring from working in the caring profession, I felt that I would like to give some of my time doing voluntary work that would benefit the hospice and the local community.”

• What is your favourite thing about volunteering at Coffee at the Craven?

“I enjoy working as part of a team and meeting new friends. I like meeting customers and chatting to them whilst giving them good customer service. I enjoy all aspects of being a volunteer really!”

• Why do you think it is important for people to volunteer?

“It is just very rewarding to do. Volunteering also helps to keep the running costs down and contributes to the running of the hospice 365 days a year.”

• What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering?

“I would encourage them to do it. I would also let them know how much I enjoy volunteering too. Volunteers are always needed and there are so many areas they could think about volunteering in.”

If you would like information on how to become a volunteer at Springhill Hospice, you can visit the hospice website: 

• www.springhill.org.uk/volunteering