Erin Gives Back as Volunteers Made Such a Difference for her Mum

4 Jun 2021

When Erin Bennett’s mum, Hazel Reed was cared for at Dr Kershaw’s, back in 2018, the staff and volunteers did everything they could to make their experience of the Hospice a happy one, ensuring that they spent precious time together creating special memories for Erin of her mum, that will stay with her forever.

Three years on, during National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), which celebrates the contribution of millions across the UK who give up their time to volunteer at organisations who need their support, like Dr Kershaw’s, Erin will start her first volunteering shift at the Hospice on the morning tea trolley, hoping to give the same support back to other patients and families that her and mum Hazel had.

Erin explains: “When mum was cared for at the Hospice, the volunteers were fantastic. They came in offering us treatments, and with the afternoon tea trolley each day. Each volunteer would give up their time to talk to us and they made being at the Hospice feel more normal. The volunteers made a real difference to each day and we would really look forward to them coming round. They always went the extra mile, offering family members refreshments too as well as mum. I’m volunteering at Dr Kershaw’s on the morning tea trolley to give something back and help other families as we were helped.”

Erin is just one of the many families who have been impacted by the incredible volunteers at Dr Kershaw’s. Volunteers are key to the functioning of the Hospice, and our staff have so much appreciation for all that their team of volunteers contribute. With National Volunteers’ Week in full force, staff at the Hospice took the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of their volunteers, by taking to social media channels to share messages of appreciation from themselves, patients and their families.

Ken Garland, one of our Well-Being Centre patients has been attending the virtual well-being sessions during the pandemic, which is run by Hospice volunteers: “I am so grateful to all the volunteers who have helped me by running the virtual sessions. I have really enjoyed them, they have made my life much more enjoyable and have broken my week up. Giving up their own time to support us is a wonderful thing, the volunteers running the yoga, quiz, relaxation and exercise sessions have been so supportive and the sessions have really helped with both my physical and mental health.”

The Hospice’s volunteers clocked up an incredible 18,458 hours in 2020, despite the pandemic bringing on the closure of many key services that volunteers would normally support.

Joanne Sloan, Dr Kershaw’s CEO commented: “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for their ongoing support and wonderful contribution to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. During such a challenging year it has been both inspiring and reassuring to know we have such a strong, dedicated team of volunteers on board. Thank you wholeheartedly to all of you for continuing to give us your time and talent and for being such an important part of our Hospice community.”

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