“Volunteering gives me a sense of pride knowing I have, in some way, helped an important local cause in delivering its vital services to people throughout my community,” explained Richard Krajewski, who has volunteered at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Moments Coffee Shop at Ipswich Town Hall, since March 2023.
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 Richard, whose generosity enables St Elizabeth Hospice to continue evolving its services to care for more people in the local community.
“I had been thinking about volunteering for some time and regularly looked at St Elizabeth Hospice’s website for the volunteering opportunities available,” explained Richard, who lives in Ipswich and previously worked as a chartered quantity surveyor before retirement.
“However, one day in January 2023, my wife came home holding a flyer for Moments Coffee Shop, at the Town Hall, saying ‘here you go, this is an ideal place for you to volunteer for the hospice’.
“Since starting volunteering at Moments Coffee Shop, I haven’t looked back. I really love meeting customers and new people every day. The team are all so supportive and welcoming, it is just a lovely environment to be in, while also giving back to your local community.
“Over the years, like many people in Suffolk, I have known friends who have received care from St Elizabeth Hospice, so it is a privilege to be able to support the hospice in any way I can.
“I volunteer once or twice a week and the team are always flexible around my personal life. I love music and play in a band as well as play golf, and volunteering at Moments is something which fits well into my weekly routine and I always look forward to it.
“I usually help with serving food and drink to customers as well as washing up in the kitchen, but there is opportunity to learn other roles such as working on the till when I am ready to do so. There really is no pressure and the hospice team are grateful for any amount of time you are able to give.
“The variety of delicious products on sale at Moments has recently inspired me to bake some cheese scones, much to my wife’s delight. Her enthusiasm for my new skill then encouraged me to bake a lemon drizzle cake, which was equally well received!
“Volunteering is something I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It gives you great satisfaction and provides you with the chance to meet new friends and learn new skills, while also giving back to your 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/.