New Year? New You! Volunteer for Isabel Hospice

As the excitement of a new year emerges, many of us turn our thoughts towards resolutions—promises we make to ourselves for self-improvement or to create a positive impact. Why not make volunteering your resolution for 2024?

Volunteering for the Hospice contributes hugely to changing the lives of people across eastern Hertfordshire, who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

Caroline Baynes, Volunteering Engagement Lead at Isabel Hospice, comments “I think most would be surprised at how vast and varied our volunteer opportunities are. Whatever your skills or interests, we are confident that we can find a rewarding role to suit you, in an inclusive and supportive environment. Roles are very flexible too, enabling people to fit them around their other commitments and day to day life. Even giving 2 hours on an ad-hoc basis, or a morning or afternoon of your time each week would benefit the charity, and your local community.”

The varied volunteering roles span retail, fundraising, patient-facing, and office-based positions. Opportunities include helping in one of our sixteen shops, welcoming patients, and their families as a receptionist at the inpatient unit (IPU), ad hoc fundraising and events support, becoming a Compassionate Neighbour, gardening at IPU, eBay listing, van driving and stock sorting in the Welwyn Garden City donation centre.

The retail arm of the charity is currently busy planning for an exciting new shop opening on South Street in Bishop’s Stortford next month. As such we are actively recruiting for retail volunteers to help run the new shop, welcoming customers, sorting through donations and taking payments.

In addition to being hugely rewarding, there are many benefits to volunteering. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zone, learn new skills, or utilise existing skills, gain work experience, and meet new people. There are wellbeing benefits too, with volunteering proven to boost dopamine levels, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

One of those ‘make a difference’ roles we wish to expand on is our Compassionate Neighbour community; a Hospice-led initiative to encourage and support the lonely or isolated; that not only supports Isabel Hospice patients but anyone in eastern Hertfordshire over the age of 18.

Kharlie Staves, Isabel Hospice’s Compassionate Neighbours Co-Ordinator, comments “Since launching Compassionate Neighbours in 2018, we have seen how important community is, the value of social interaction and the impact each individual can have within their community. We have seen the positive impact regular connections make and how they can change someone’s entire outlook on life.”

Compassionate Neighbours are matched to individuals either 1-2-1, by phone or to a social group in their area based on shared experiences, hobbies, or interests, to offer a listening ear and companionship. Friendships are developed from regular telephone calls, home visits, trips out or anything the pair wish to do together.

Caroline Baynes ends “Embracing volunteering as a New Year’s resolution not only contributes positively to your local area but also enriches your life in ways you might never have imagined. So, with a New Year now upon us, why not get in touch and discover how you can volunteer with Isabel Hospice and make a resolution we are positive you will actually keep! We couldn’t do what we do without the loyal support and dedication from our volunteers. So come and join our amazing volunteer community today!”

Volunteer Information Drop-In

Isabel Hospice are holding their next volunteer information drop-in session on Saturday 27th January 2024 from 10.30am till 12.30pm at the Living Well Community Hub, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH.

It’s a great way to learn more about Isabel Hospice and the volunteering opportunities available. You’ll meet the various teams who deliver the services we provide, and we can help match your skills and experience with the opportunities available. There is free parking onsite and refreshments will be available.

The next free Compassionate Neighbours training session will be held on Friday 12th January 9.30am-5pm at the Living Well Community Hub.

Further Information

Roles are available Monday to Sunday, across multiple sites in eastern Herts and open to anyone over 18. People of all abilities from all walks of life are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary as training is provided. If you are under 18 and wish to discuss volunteering with Isabel Hospice, please get in touch. We endeavor to offer younger volunteers the best of volunteering experiences.

For more information on volunteering, email [email protected], or call Isabel Hospice’s Volunteering Engagement Lead, Caroline Baynes on 01707 382500 option 4. Details are also available at www.isabelhospice.org.uk/volunteer.

For more information on Compassionate Neighbours, email [email protected] or call 01707 382500.