Jessica’s Volunteering Story
“I absolutely love helping at the hospice’s shop on Westwood Avenue! It’s such a lovely shop to volunteer in,” explained Jessica Hayward, who has volunteered at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Westwood Avenue shop, in Lowestoft, since 2024.
Every year more than 4,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, are supported throughout East & Mid-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, whose generosity enables St Elizabeth Hospice to continue evolving its services to care for more people in the local community.
“Prior to our experience of St Elizabeth Hospice, our family had never received hospice care, but until you need their services you don’t realise how important it is,” added Jessica, whose Nan, Christine Peek received support from the hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) healthcare partnership, until her death aged 74-years-old in 2023.
“This is why our family has fundraised for the charity, and we will continue to give back in any way we can, as they made a difference to us when we needed support the most. It’s also why I was inspired to volunteer – to give back to the hospice and say ‘thank you’ for the help they gave Nanny when she was ill.
“My role mainly involves sorting through the generous donations from the community, before helping to display and price them for customers to buy.
“All the other volunteers and staff are so friendly and always up for a chat, which makes volunteering such a social and enjoyable experience – something I always look forward to.
“There’s always something to do, and not only does it feel good to make a small difference, but it’s also a great way to meet new people. The team at Westwood Avenue are such a lovely, friendly bunch, and I love spending time with them.
“If you have any time to give, it’s such a rewarding thing to do, and I’d encourage anyone to give volunteering for St Elizabeth Hospice a go.”
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/.
