“My wife encouraged me to start volunteering for St Elizabeth Hospice when they were advertising for PAT test volunteers in 2021 and I haven’t looked back since. Volunteering for St Elizabeth Hospice gave me more of a purpose and something to look forward to after I retired,” explained David Goodchild, who began volunteering as a PAT tester, at the charity in 2021 and has since progressed to join the hospice as a full-time employee and member of the maintenance team.
“Similar to many people in Suffolk, I have known several friends and former colleagues who have received support from the hospice over the years, so to be able to help the hospice by volunteering, makes my role more meaningful.
“I really enjoyed helping the team and spending time with everyone I met at the hospice; I even made new friends. It feels good to know that my support helps to maintain the care that all patients and their families receive at the hospice itself and in the wider community wherever people may need assistance.
“After a while, they approached me about taking a full-time facilities and maintenance role, which I took up. I never thought I would join full-time but it is something I do not regret doing at all.
“I would encourage anyone to give volunteering a try, you never know you may get a full-time job like me or learn new skills which help develop you or benefit your career. Either way, there is so much to learn and you will never know if volunteering is for you unless you give it a try. You have nothing to lose!”
Every year more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, are supported throughout east Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney by the free specialist palliative care provision of St Elizabeth Hospice.
This care is provided by hospice staff who operate throughout the region but who are supported by a fantastic team of volunteers, like David, whose generosity enables St Elizabeth Hospice to continue evolving its services to care for more people in the local community.
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/.