A day in the life …………………………… Volunteer Co-ordinator

Hello,

My working day starts just before 9am, with a cup of strong builders’ tea and checking emails. This can either go two ways, groans if a role needs covering at short notice due to illness, or a smile if something positive has/is happening. The one thing I would say, is that every day is different. Whatever is in my diary for the day, must be flexible, as priorities can change in the blink of an eye.

My key role is to recruit and support volunteers in their various roles at the hospice and our warehouse on St Mark’s Road. We currently have 140 volunteers which is amazing and just goes to show the amount of support and commitment we receive from the local community.

Throughout the day I complete and update the hospice rotas ensuring that all roles are covered. Regular liaising with nursing staff who confirm which patients require transport for the week, so that I can ensure arrangements are in place to book vehicles and volunteers to ensure patients can access our services.

Volunteers come in all ages, nationalities, abilities, genders there is no ‘one size fits all.’ We are a Disability Confident organisation, which I believe adds to our inclusive outlook, and I do think that there is a voluntary role for everyone. I really enjoy meeting new potential volunteers, as everyone has a different motivation to volunteer, and everyone has a story to share.

A large part of my role is building relationships with our volunteers. Knowing that someone is supporting family members with health issues, recovering from an operation, or just having a break and taking some time out for themselves – and remembering who is available, and who to approach is vital. I usually start by saying “you can say no if you’re busy or don’t want to” if I’m asking if someone can cover a role (sometimes at short notice). I would have volunteers to feel that they have to say yes, all the time, so give them an option at the start of the conversation.

Another part of my role is consulting with corporate companies who provide teams as part of their community initiative to support local charities, and they volunteer with us. They are given time off by their employers and usually help with garden maintenance or decorating. The teams can use us as a teambuilding day especially if they work from home or are a dispersed group.

We are a small team and sometimes must be flexible and be able to fill any “gaps” that may occur, throughout the day.

I feel very honoured and privileged to work in this environment, as passionately that Lakelands is a very special place.

Popping down to have a chat in the dayroom with our patients is an effective way to ground me, and really appreciate why we are all here. It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to talk to our patients, they enjoy their hospice day and there is more laughter than tears in the dayroom. If we can distract our patients in some way or just make them smile – our job is done. 

Jackie Henry
Volunteer Co-ordinator