Volunteering

Volunteering at Willow Wood is more than just a job - it's a calling to help others. A desire to help and a little time to spare is all you need to take on this challenging, but rewarding role.

More than 400 volunteers give up their time every week to help out at the Hospice in any way they can, which helps to make a difference in the community we serve. Some spend their time working in the charity shops, which are run almost entirely by volunteers, others help out on reception or with the laundry.

Bea Robinson, volunteer co-ordinator (pictured right), has the challenging task of matching people to jobs at the Hospice which will suit their qualities best. "The Hospice would not work without the volunteers", said Bea. "It amazes me the amount of people who are willing to give up their time and help out at the Hospice".

There are plenty of volunteering roles to get involved in - particularly in the Hospice's seven charity shops, where you can pick up an endless list of bargains and collectables from retro fashion to CDs, DVDs and books. The shops play a vital role in raising funds for the Hospice. There's a lot to do in a Hospice shop with something to suit most tastes. If you have a "passion for fashion" then sorting out clothes might be for you, or if retailing is your thing then helping the customers, pricing stock or working on the till could be for you.

Bea added: "If you have your own transport and can spare a few hours a week, we need your help collecting goods from people who can't get in to the shops. Also, we are always looking for extra help on the tills and behind the scenes with sorting, pricing and ironing".

The Day Hospice constantly requires volunteer drivers to transport patients from and back to their homes, especially from the Glossop area. We are also looking for people willing to undergo the MIDAS driver training which will allow us to take our patients for day trips in our minibus.

The Hospice is also keen to expand its team of green-fingered enthusiasts to keep the flower beds looking at its best.

We run our own laundry and anyone who could help out for 2-3 hours a week would be most welcome.

Volunteers can also help out by offering complementary therapies such as Reiki, reflexology or aromatherapy - because Willow Wood places great emphasis on making life as comfortable as possible for patients, therapists are always sought after.

Maybe you could help out with some of our arts and crafts, or act as a receptionist or ward clerk?. If you've got cooking skills to rival Jamie Oliver, then why not put your culinary skills to the test and join the other talented cooks?

We're also on the lookout for qualified hairdressers to complement our existing service. As everyone will know, having your hair done is a real tonic and Willow Wood's patients are no different. If you could spare a few hours a week to cut, blow and style patients' hair, then contact us.

There's even a local carpenter who takes a wood working class once a week - which has gone down a treat with the men at the Hospice. They make all kinds of things from doorstoppers to bird boxes!

If you have a few hours to spare every week and would like to help us out, please contact our Administration Office for an application form, or click on the picture below to download a printable version.