Find out how you could give the gift of time and become a volunteer for the Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville

The drop-in event is a chance for people to discover the diverse range of volunteering opportunities available across the charity, from marshalling at events and providing administration support through to helping run an array of classes at the Living Well Centre.

‘We could not provide the level of care we do without the help of our volunteers,’ said Carol Milner, Director of People Services.

‘We rely on more than 1,500 volunteers, who generously donate in excess of 100,000 hours of their time each year, taking on a huge variety of important and rewarding roles throughout the charity.

‘Every minute donated by our volunteers helps the charity to provide outstanding care and support, free of charge to adults (and their families) in our community who have a life-limiting illness.’

Carol continued: ‘As the need for our services continues to grow, we are always grateful for new volunteers. Volunteering is something that can be so valuable on your CV and can give valuable work experience.

‘It can be an extremely rewarding experience, learning new skills and meeting lots of like-minded people whilst directly helping people from the local community when they need it most.

‘So, whether you’re a college student, unemployed, retired or a professional looking to put your knowledge, skills and experience to use for a worthy cause, we would love to meet you.’

To find out about the wide range of volunteering opportunities offered, please visit us on March 7 at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook Heath Road, Waterlooville, PO7 5RU. Or go to www.rowanshospice.co.uk/gift of time

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

Su McKenzie

Su, who volunteers for the Marketing Department at Rowans Hospice and at the Petersfield Emporium, explains the values of volunteering from her perspective.

‘Aware of the outstanding free care and support the Rowans Hospice gives to families in our local community, I knew I wanted to volunteer at Rowans but didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do.

‘Thankfully, the Rowans Volunteer Co-ordinator was really supportive, organising a couple of trials in different volunteering roles, one on the In-Patient Unit and another on Visitor Reception, before I found my initial role as an audio-typist.

‘Based within the Marketing team, the role involves typing up interviews of people, who are associated with the hospice or have been supported by them. It’s great to be able to use my typing skills, as it helps keep my brain working, my fingers nimble and listening to other people’s stories is also good for my heart!

‘To satisfy my social appetite, I also volunteer at Rowans Petersfield Emporium two afternoons a week, which I enjoy so much! The Rowans Emporium is not just a shop, it is a community shop for young and old alike. The staff and volunteers make it a place of happiness and fun.

‘I simply love it, the teams I work with are wonderful and I find my interactions with the customers so rewarding.’

Gillian Parsons

Gillian, who volunteers at the Living Well Centre, said: ‘As a retired nurse, I still wanted to interact with patients, so volunteering at Rowans Living Well Centre offers me this opportunity and means I can use my nursing, counselling and bereavement skills.’

Nikki Turner

Nikki is a local artist who runs her own Art Classes and is a volunteer who helps to run the Art and Craft Therapy group.

She explained: ‘Volunteering at the weekly Arts and Crafts sessions has given me a chance to see art not just as work, but to really step back and see the therapeutic benefits it gives.’

Phil Totham

Duty driver Phli said: ‘I was a professional engineer at a reasonably high level when I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, so had to medically retire. Volunteering as a Duty Driver a number of times a week is an ideal fit for me and my condition and, more importantly, it gives me a sense of worth. I get a feeling of doing something that’s important.’

Here is a selection of the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at the Rowans Hospice.

Hospice and Living Well Centre• Administrative Support• Class Assistant• Bereavement Team• Catering Support• Complementary Therapists• Duty Drivers• Floral Team/Gardeners• Hospice Companions• Meet and Greet• PAT (Pets As Therapy) Pets and Owners• Receptionists/Telephonists• Spiritual Care• Veterans Companions Rowans Retail• Shop Assistant• Stock Processor• Warehouse Porter• On-line Retail VolunteerEvents• Event set up/pack down• Helping with registration• Marshalling• Handing out medals• Manning stands• Selling raffle tickets• Ushering at events• Making refreshments• Event photographer