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Why I Volunteer In The Butterfly Lounge

5 January 2017

The Butterfly Lounge is the heart of our Inpatient Unit where patients, their friends, family and staff can grab a refreshing cup of tea and a bite to eat in a calming environment. Providing service with a smile is our lovely Butterfly Lounge volunteer Alison who is married with 2 boys. When she’s not volunteering in The Butterfly Lounge she supports the PTA at her youngest son’s school and is also a volunteer Cancer Campaigns Ambassador for another charity.

“I lost both of my parents to cancer and my mother spent time in a different hospice so I knew how friendly and relaxed hospices can be, staffed by lovely nurses and doctors. Although I didn’t know much about Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice before I started my volunteer role back in April 2016, I felt I wanted to help out and give something back to a hospice.

As well as serving drinks and snacks, I also sell goods from the Hospice shop where you can buy pyjamas, scarves, cards and various other gifts and essentials. My best experience of volunteering in The Butterfly Lounge was when we had to move all the tables and chairs in the lounge so that a patient who was unwell could come and have a look in the shop from the comfort of their bed.

I would recommend people volunteer in The Butterfly Lounge as it’s a friendly role which offers a rewarding feeling and it always surprises me how much I miss it when I can’t come in.”

Without our wonderful Butterfly Lounge Volunteers like Alison we would not be able to continue to provide free care and support to those living with a terminal illness across Birmingham and Sandwell. If you are interested in joining our friendly and welcoming Butterfly Lounge volunteer team please click here to find out more. Make volunteering at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice your New Year’s Resolution!