FOR National Volunteers’ Week we’re celebrating the incredible efforts of the committed people who help Birmingham Hospice to deliver vital palliative and end of life care.
Our Living Well Centres (LWC) are just one of services the hospice provides which benefits from the dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy to support our work.
Lucy Witchell.
Volunteers build strong relationships with patients, who live in their communities and visit the centres based at our Selly Park and Erdington hospice sites each week. They assist in a variety of ways, including organising activities, making drinks or interacting.
Jackie Keeley has been helping at the LWC for 26 years and was inspired to give something back following her sister’s experience in our Inpatient Unit (IPU).
“They took such good care of us; they made us cups of tea, they made us feel welcome and let us have all the time we needed,” said Jackie.
“When she passed away, I asked if there was anything I could do to help, and they suggested volunteering.”
Jackie loves talking to those attending the centre, adding: “I like coming in because you get to know the patients and I love chatting to them; they open up to us.”
Jill Crawford has also been making a difference at the centre for 26 years after starting her journey in 1999.
She experienced firsthand the hospice’s compassionate end of life care when her sister-in-law was admitted to our IPU. The former nurse also wanted a role which allowed her to spend time with patients.
“My sister-in-law died here, and I was very impressed by the level of care,” said Jill.
“I used to be a nurse, and it used to bother me that we didn’t get the time to spend with those who are dying because it’s so important.”
For Jill, the most important thing is being there for first-time visitors who are unsure about attending, to help them grow in confidence.
She said: “I love getting to know the patients. They come into the centre on their first day and the joy is to make them to feel at home and comfortable.
“They meet people who are in a similar position and talk openly without upsetting their family. They can relax a bit more and talk about how they feel, which is really important.”
Meanwhile, Maureen Mahon knew little about the hospice when starting in 2015. The former teacher had been looking for opportunities to give something back after going part-time.
Maureen loves supporting those attending in arts and crafts, which helps them to relax and talk more about their lives.
“It’s always very humbling meeting the people who come here; it puts things into perspective for me. I enjoy when we’re all sitting around the table and we’re all chatting,” she added.
“I love that people leave here knowing they have enjoyed their day and that it has made a small difference to their lives.
“For a lot of our patients I know it’s the day in the week they really look forward to.”
Jackie, Maureen and Jill are just a few of the wonderful volunteers who support the hospice’s mission. Whether you lend us your time and energy in the hospices, in our shops or at fundraising events we can’t thank you all enough for everything you do.
