Volunteering
Alice House Hospice is very fortunate to enjoy the support of a large number of volunteers who are dedicated to helping local people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved one.
They are an essential part of our team and provide vital support in all areas of the Hospice. Volunteers help with our patients, handle essential administrative tasks and provide much-needed support for fundraising and our many charity shops.
Volunteering at Alice House
The Hospice has volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and each one has a very personal reason for offering their time. Without their help the Hospice would not be what it is today. Volunteers get involved in all aspects of our work, here are just a few of the areas volunteers complement.
We are looking for volunteer help on weekdays, evenings and weekends.
Holistic Wellbeing Centre
At our beautiful Holistic Wellbeing Centre we offer Holistic Therapies, Crafting and Wellbeing sessions and mindfulness activities.
Reception
Receptionists are often the first point of contact with the Hospice, whether face to face or on the telephone. Organised and professional individuals help give a warm welcome to patients, families and visitors who come to the Hospice and maintain the high quality, friendly service.
Gardening
Green figured volunteers keep the Hospice grounds blooming helping patients enjoy the pleasant surroundings. People who are not afraid to get their hands dirty see their hard efforts benefiting patients and visitors who can enjoy the seasonal flowers and well kept lawns and patios.
Trustees
Trustees are responsible for setting strategies; overseeing the correct running of the organisation to carry out its aims through the policies and procedures laid down, whilst conforming to charity law; line managing the Chief Executive through the chair; attending trustee meetings which allows trustees to stay in touch with what is going on and to make informed decisions about matters brought before them – by the Chief Executive.
Administration
The administration team supports the work of all departments at the Hospice and there are many tasks volunteers can complete as a vital part of that. The team look for people with good computer skills to help create spreadsheets, update databases and type letters. Other members also provide much needed support with filing, photocopying and mailings.
Fundraising
Our fundraising team has many volunteers who provide support by raising vital funds needed to continue Hospice services. These volunteers help in various ways such as attending events, collecting donations and delivering prizes. This dedicated team helps events run smoothly and keep us on target to raising funds.
Charity Shops
Over 60% of all hospice volunteers assist in the running of the seven Charity shops across Hartlepool and east Durham. The shop assistants are able to gain valuable retail experience, on-going training, and the opportunity to engage as part of a caring team. They also enjoy meeting many different people from all walks of life and contribute greatly in the support of Hospice services.
Housekeeping/Maintenance
Kitchens, laundry, maintenance and cleaning services all benefit from the dedicated time of volunteers. With on the job training and support, the workforce ensures all domestic aspects of the Hospice are kept at a high standard.
Therapeutic Support Services
The Community Bereavement Service is a vital service for adults, young people and children supported greatly by a team of skilled volunteers. Volunteers for this service undergo an accredited training course to enable them to effectively support bereaved people both individually and through the drop-in group.
Inpatient Care
Volunteers in patient care areas complement the Hospice clinical team to provide specialist care every day of the year, enhancing the well-being of patients and their families. Their role can involve assisting at mealtimes, with refreshments or offering a listening ear.
Unique roles
As well as assisting in all areas of the Hospice environment, volunteers with specialist skills offer something extra special to our services. Many people have offered their time as calligraphists, complimentary therapists, electrical testers, hairdressers, financial advisers and chaplaincy helpers. We also have a small team of volunteer photographers who help document the day to day activities in the Hospice, provide photographs for our annual Hospice Calendar and who attend events to take photographs which we use in our promotional materials. In addition to completing tasks, volunteers also help to promote the services the Hospice offers and the funding needs by speaking at events and community engagements in the area.
Volunteer Experiences
Meet Lesley Berry
Volunteer to Counsellor
Kerry Taste and Nutrition
‘Trustee’ Running Partners
Demi’s Story
June Ewen, Volunteer
George Newbury, Volunteer
A new generation of volunteers
Applying to Volunteer
If you’ve got some time to spare and some skills you’d like to share please complete the online Volunteer Application Form and a member of the Team will contact you for an informal chat.