AN inspirational volunteer whose bubbly personality has lit up The Hive café has thanked Birmingham Hospice for making her feel so welcome.
Katie Rowland, who has Down’s Syndrome, helps at the café based in our Erdington site once a week.
The volunteering has helped her become a more confident communicator and she enjoys talking with customers, including visitors, patients and members of the hospice team.
She has also developed a range of skills essential to working in a café, including managing payments and monitoring fridge temperatures, and has successfully passed a Level 2 food hygiene course.
“I love coming to talk to everyone, it’s such a friendly place,” said Katie about the hospice.
“I feel really happy coming to the hospice and I would love to come every single day.”
Mum Debbie has also seen the positive effect volunteering at the hospice has had.
The Hive.
“Everybody has made Katie feel really welcome and relaxed,” commented Debbie.
“For her first week, I sat in the corner of the café but after that Katie told me she didn’t need me here and that she was happy to talk to the staff, the visitors and anybody who comes in.
“She has learned all the skills required to work in a café, as well as improving Katie’s communication skills.”
Volunteering with Birmingham Hospice is a wonderful opportunity to help make a difference at a charity which supports people with a life-limiting condition. To learn more about the many different opportunities to volunteer please visit our website.
