Two of our incredible volunteers tell us why they volunteer to support City Hospice and what it means to them
From 1st -7th June we are celebrating Volunteers Week 2021. Our volunteers are a vital part of our team and their work has been impacted by the pandemic. We can’t wait to welcome them all back and it’s great that some are now returning. We meet Ian and Peter who tell us what volunteering means to them.
Meet Ian, Driver and Events Support Volunteer who explains:
“I’ve been volunteering at City Hospice for about 6 years, just after I retired from work. Having experienced the support of the Hospice for close relatives, I wanted to help support the hospice to provide the wonderful care that helps so many. Not everyone knows that the Hospice is a charity that depends so much on contributions to operate. I feel that giving my time is as valuable a contribution as I can offer. I started as volunteer driver providing lifts for patients to attend day centre. I was 
then asked if I would be willing to drive the Hospice van delivering goods for sale, to the Hospice shops. This is a varied role as everything any anything can be needed at the shops. Being a registered driver of the Hospice van meant I am often included in supporting Hospice events where equipment is needed. During the past I have helped at Wag This Way, Sparkle Walk, Raft Race to name a few.
I was nominated for a Volunteer Award
During the recent Covid pandemic I have stood in for the regular drivers and helped by driving the adapted minibus to transport the doctors and nurses on their patient rounds. I was recently nominated for a Volunteer award at the recent Cardiff Council Volunteer event. This nomination was a huge surprise and really made me think about how a varied volunteer contribution can help the Hospice to achieve their aims. I also felt very valued and touched to know that my volunteering is appreciated.
The experiences I have during volunteering often raise a smile and make my days fulfilled. Engaging with the staff and other volunteers adds another dimension to being retired and helps keep me active and interested in life”
Meet Peter, Patient Driver and Retail Team Leader who told us:
“I started volunteering with City Hospice in early May 2019 as a patient driver. I did this until lockdown hit in March 2020. I’d been looking for something useful and worthwhile to get involved with and saw a call for volunteers on a volunteering website. I walked up to the hospice on their open day (much further than I thought it would be ) and started shortly afterwards.
All of my other activities stopped at the same time because of Covid, so I was hopeful that when lockdown eased last summer, I’d be able to re-start patient driving again. However, and understandably, some of patient services at the hospice were still on hold . So I jumped at the opportunity to become involved with setting up of the shop in Rhiwbina. When I first walked into the shop, there were boxes everywhere, the till counter needed to be assembled – there was so much to do so I just got stuck in. Everyone was really friendly and helpful and as a team we managed to have the shop ready and looking good for its opening day.
I love working in the shop with the other volunteers and especially love hearing the kind comments customer’s make about how the hospice has given both practical and emotional support, and it’s obvious how very important that was to patients and their families at possibly the worst time of their lives”.
Sam Curtis Volunteer Officer says:
“Thank you both for all you do. You are shining examples of how volunteers make such a difference to the work of our charity. We simply couldn’t manage without you. Thanks to all our volunteers as we celebrate Volunteers Week 2021”
If you are interested in volunteering at City Hospice we have lots of opportunities to join our great team. You can find out more here
