“Through volunteering you can support the hospice but you can also benefit yourself,” said Jo Mann, who has been volunteering at St Elizabeth Hospice since 2014.
“It’s a two-way thing, to know your support is helping the hospice staff carry out their vital work is very rewarding but volunteering also develops you as a person, you make new friends and you learn new skills.”
She is one of more than 1,500 volunteers who generously give their time to support the hospice by carrying out roles in one of its 31 retail shops, through to volunteering on the hospice inpatient unit and supporting the hospice administrative teams.
Every year their support helps the hospice deliver specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
From initially joining the hospice as a volunteer at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Holywells Retail Centre, after a year Jo saw an opportunity to volunteer in administration for the volunteer team.
“I enjoyed my time volunteering at Holywells Retail Centre serving customers and sorting the many pre-loved items the charity sells but when I heard of the administration volunteering role I knew this is something I would like to do,” she explained.
“As a former school secretary it lets me use the skills I utilised in my career to help the hospice, while also allowing me the chance to learn new skills and new computer programmes. By working with people they naturally help you build on skills you already have.”
Through volunteering, supporters donate any amount of time they are able to and as part of Jo’s role, she volunteers two days a week. A typical volunteering shift sees her answer email queries from volunteers, process volunteer applications to join the hospice as well as organise courses and training for volunteers.
While, for a number of years, Jo has organised St Elizabeth Hospice’s Long Service Awards for volunteers. The awards are an annual event held by the hospice during National Volunteers’ Week to celebrate the achievements of all its volunteers and highlight those who have reached significant landmarks in their dedication to the hospice.
Through organising the Long Service Awards, Jo collates all the information for each award recipient, from a roll call of more than 1,500 volunteers.
Jo, who lives near Ipswich, said: “It’s a project I really enjoy being a part of and provides further diversity to my volunteering experience. I have also volunteered on many hospice fundraising events such as the Midnight Walk and the Great Garden Trail.
“Volunteering at the hospice is very flexible and means I still have time to spend with my family and enjoying my hobbies including crafts, golf and walking.
“Before I came to the hospice, like many people, I imagined it would be a sad place but in reality it has such a good atmosphere. Yes, it can be sad but whenever you speak to staff in any department you are struck by their very positive attitudes, which is very affirming and I have the greatest respect for the care they give.
“Everyone has a skill that could be of benefit to the hospice, often they just aren’t aware. From my experiences, I would recommend anyone should give volunteering a try. It is so rewarding to know you are part of the organisation that provides amazing care to patients and their families.”
To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St Elizabeth Hospice email volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/support-us/support-us/volunteer-for-us/.