If you have a few hours free in the week and would like to spend them helping others, you could consider becoming a Home Support volunteer for Phyllis Tuckwell. 

Phyllis Tuckwell cares for local patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer. Many of these patients live at home, but may be too unwell to work, drive or even go out for a walk on their own. It can be lonely at home all day. Home Support volunteers provide help and companionship. Each volunteer visits one patient once a week, for around three hours. They may sit and chat together over a cup of tea, or go for a walk or a drive, to a local garden centre perhaps, or to do some shopping. Sometimes patients may need help getting to a medical appointment or collecting a prescription, because they can’t drive there themselves or maybe need help with their wheelchair, if they use one. 

Home Support volunteers make a real difference to patients’ lives, at what is a very difficult time. All are given initial and ongoing training and guidance, and are fully supported in their roles.  

“Our volunteers are so important to us and to the patients they support,” says Julia Morpeth, Voluntary Services Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell. “Just a few hours of their time really can transform a patient’s life, providing a listening ear, support to get out of the house for a few hours, and helping to boost their confidence. We give all of our volunteers the support they need to develop their skills, take on fulfilling roles and really feel that they are making a difference.” 

Phyllis Tuckwell’s training sessions for new Home Support volunteers will take place on Saturdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th January, and 4th February 2023. 

If you enjoy the company of others and like the idea of making a real difference to someone’s life, perhaps this could be the thing for you? To find out more, please contact Phyllis Tuckwell’s Voluntary Services team on 01252 729400, email [email protected] or visit www.pth.org.uk/get-in-touch-volunteering where you can fill in an online form.