St Peter's Hospice celebrates vital work of volunteers
Bristol charity St Peter’s Hospice is celebrating the work of its volunteers as part of National Volunteers Week.
St Peter’s Hospice benefits from vital volunteer support with a team of 1,600 dedicated supporters working across its shops, fundraising department and at the hospice itself.
Russell Cowan, Head of Volunteer Resources at St Peter’s Hospice, said the support given is invaluable and the Hospice would not be able to run as it does without volunteers.
Russell said: “Put simply, the Hospice could not run without them. Their compassion, hard work and dedication means we can be there for everyone who needs us. From handing out medals at our fundraising events, to welcoming families into the Hospice at reception or photographing items for our eBay shop - every role they do makes a huge difference.
“We rely heavily on funds raised by the public and on help given by the local community. Without volunteers we wouldn’t be able to continue running our charity shops across the city which contribute so much to funding care for life-limited patients both at home and at the hospice.
“Volunteers really are the unsung heroes of the hospice and we’re pleased to be able to thank them this week.”
Across the Hospice’s retail team there are 1,200 volunteers working in the 45 shops, the warehouse, and for the eBay and online shop. Last year the shops raised over £1.7m for the Hospice, which would not be possible without incredible volunteers.
St Peter’s Hospice also runs numerous fundraising events and challenges throughout the year and its fundraising volunteers are essential. From marshalling to bucket collecting, handing out medals and cheering on participants, every role helps create an exciting atmosphere and ensure the events run smoothly. Volunteers Danni and Emma recently helped at the flagship Tour de Bristol event.
Danni said: "St Peter’s Hospice has helped family and friends so I thought if I can give my time every year to help events raise more money then that’s great. Tour de Bristol is my favourite event to volunteer at. We have an early start, but then get to see the cyclists at the finish line, feeling really proud of themselves. It’s nice to have that moment and hand them their medal, and everyone feel really proud of each other."
Emma said: "I started volunteering six years ago, just to have the opportunity to do something good. It’s the least I can do, to volunteer my time for such a great cause. The events are always great - everyone is there for such lovely reasons. They have smiles on their faces and want to be there to do something good."
Garden volunteer Sheila has been helping maintain the Hospice garden space for 15 years, giving patients and families a beautiful and serene place to sit, wander and reflect. She said: “I wanted to do something where I could give back to the community and giving joy to the people that have to attend the Hospice, it felt worthwhile. Even patients that are inside can look through the glass and see what we’re doing and see the changes taking place in front of them.”
St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice providing care for patients in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Volunteering with the charity comes with many rewarding opportunities including gaining new skills and training, meeting new people and making a difference to patients and their families.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering at St Peter’s Hospice visit Volunteer in Bristol - St Peter's Hospice, Bristol
