If you’re looking for a worthwhile way to spend a few spare hours a week, then look no further! Local hospice care charity Phyllis Tuckwell is searching for volunteer drivers, escorts and receptionists, and would love to hear from you!
Phyllis Tuckwell offers supportive and end of life care for patients and families living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer, offering medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support. It is currently looking for volunteers to help drive its patients to and from the sessions and appointments that it provides at the Beacon Centre in Guildford, and escorts to sit in the car with patients, to make sure they are comfortable and to chat with them on the journey. It is also looking for volunteer receptionists to help on its reception at Headway House in Farnham town centre, where the charity has relocated its support staff and some of its community team while it is building a new Hospice.
Volunteering is a hugely rewarding way to spend a few hours a week and can make such a big difference to both patients and staff. Without volunteer transport, many patients would be unable to get to the Beacon Centre for the group sessions which are held there. These sessions are really important, as they offer patients nursing care, therapies, advice on managing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety, and creative activities such as Mindfulness with Clay and Confidence through Cooking. As well as appreciating the lift to these sessions, patients also look forward to having a chat with their driver and escort, so the role is social as well as practical.
The receptionist role at Headway House is also social as well as practical, as you will be the first person that visitors meet and will welcome them to the building. You’ll get to know the other receptionists and staff who work there too, and really feel like you’re part of the team.
If you would like to find out more about any of these volunteering roles, please contact Phyllis Tuckwell’s Voluntary Services team on [email protected] or call 01252 729400.