Volunteers wanted for variety of Woodlands Hospice roles

Woodlands Hospice is looking for volunteers to help out across a number of different roles including in its café, on reception, as ward helpers, transporting patients and in its charity shops.

Volunteer Coordinator David Bannister said: “Although we particularly need ward helpers, receptionists, drivers café and shop volunteers right now, we have a lot of different roles with new opportunities developing all the time. So if you’re fit, able and caring, we’d love to hear from you.”

Ward Helper Pauline Dyke was encouraged to apply by a neighbour who knew she wanted to fill in some spare time. Although unsure at first, Pauline has now been volunteering on the hospice’s inpatient unit for seven years.

“When I first heard about the opportunity at Woodlands Hospice, I thought having lost my husband some years earlier that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but my neighbour Kenny encouraged me to go and have a look around, so I did it to please him.

“But from the moment I walked into the ward, I loved it. It’s the most wonderful place,” she said. “I come in twice a week for about three hours and have made really close friends here. All you need is to be friendly, patient and caring.”

The charity looks for a minimum commitment of three to four hours a week and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds with a range of knowledge, skills and experience, reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves.

Whether studying, between jobs or working full time and keen to make a difference on evenings or weekends, there are flexible opportunities to join the charity’s much-valued volunteer team.

Woodlands Hospice provides consultant-led, specialist palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families in the north Liverpool, south Sefton and Kirkby areas.

To apply or find out more, call David Bannister on 0151-529-6575 or email woodlands.volunteering@aintree.nhs.uk.