Just click below to find answers to common questions we receive about volunteering,for anything else please get in touch via volunteers@stmaryshospice.org.uk
People volunteer for many reasons including:
- To make a difference
- To learn new skills
- To gain valuable experience for the future
- To fill a gap in working life
- To meet new people
- To help with gaining a recognised award e.g. DofE
We have volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life. There are opportunities both at the Hospice and in your local community.
Our volunteers are people who care and enjoy helping, supporting and being with others
In most roles no special skills are needed but you must have a commitment to confidentiality and to being a reliable member of the team. Some roles may need more specific skills but full training will be given.
We welcome volunteers of all ages:
- In the retail outlets and the Orangery café the minimum age is 14 yrs.
- For volunteers with Community Neighbours and Family & Bereavement Support the minimum age is 18 yrs.
- For all our other volunteer areas the minimum age is 16 yrs.
After we receive your application form we will contact you either to arrange an interview or a taster session. We will then send for your references. Once received, we will invite you to an Induction and progress from there.
That really depends on the role. Some roles require half a day a week commitment, some a couple of hours; some are flexible over the week. You may just want to help out a couple of times a year at fundraising events
Yes, if you have the time and the energy. Some roles are flexible and can work around your availability.
Every new member of our team is expected to attend a General Hospice Induction. You will learn new skills whilst undertaking your specific role. We also offer additional training opportunities which varies from role to role and could cover such topics as Customer Service, Till Training, Lone working or Moving and Handling People.
Every Volunteer will be line managed and supported by a member of staff in their place of volunteering. All volunteers are supported by our Volunteer Support Managers.
We cover expenses for volunteers using their own vehicle whilst on duty: e.g. patient driving.
In any other areas consideration will be given on an individual basis.
- Give you an insight into the work
- Learn new skills
- Boost your CV
- Learn from other’s experience and knowledge
- Provide a reference
Not for every role but if you are involved with patients/client contact or finance then yes.
No. Volunteering does not affect the benefit payments you receive. Volunteers are not paid for their time.
Yes you can. If you are U16 in the cafe or a shop/warehouse. If you are 16+ then nearly all other areas. We do expect a commitment of 50 hours to be able to complete your qualification and also give a bit of extra time back to the charity. Find out more information on the Young Volunteers page.
If you are from outside the UK you must make sure you have the right to volunteer under your visa or entry clearance condition. You can check with http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.