Oakhaven Hospice Trust provide specialist palliative care to patients suffering life limiting illnesses and to their families and carers.
The Trust is always looking for new Volunteer Drivers and so Mike who lived locally and was retired, registered his interest. He had previously done other volunteering but certainly had moretime available and was fairly flexible for short-notice commitment. He told us more about his fantastic experience of his journey:
Why did you decide you wanted to volunteer?
“I retired a few years ago and gave found that volunteering is quite a fun thing to do. I like to have activity in the week where I can learn and also where I can do something to help others.”
Was there a lot of choice of volunteer roles or did you have a specific idea in mind?
“There are a great number of possible volunteering roles, but finding one which matches what you’re looking for in a role is not so easy. It’s a good idea to think first about what you enjoy doing and then find volunteering in that area. You have to be realistic as well in what you might find, it might start smaller and grow into something more like you ideally want. ”
Were there any difficulties or barriers to finding a volunteer role?
“I’m now volunteering in a local hospice. I had difficulty in just walking in to offer my help (although now I realise that would have been just fine). I wasn’t sure how to make that approach. The volunteer first website overcame that barrier, as I found a job at the hospice advertised on there.”
Was it easy to apply, what did you have to do?
“The application process on the website was very simple. The follow-up process was quite lengthy as the organisation is very thorough in is approach to recruitment and training. I had a DBS check and they required statements from two referees, plus quite a lot of training before I could start. Although this took some time, it made me more positive to the organisation as the volunteering services offered there are considered to be an important part of their service to their customers.”
What have been the best bits about volunteering so far?
“Learning new things, meeting like-minded people, feeling like I can make a difference.”
What advice would you give other people who think they may want to volunteer?
“First decide that you’re happy to make a commitment to give your time and will stick with it for a few months. Secondly, think of what you enjoy doing and what you are good at and look for roles in that area. Then give it a try!”
Was it helpful to you using the Volunteer Service/the Volunteer First website and would you recommend them to others?
“I have already recommended the website to others as it was very helpful to me in finding my volunteering role.”