Published on: Wednesday 25 Oct 2023 at 15:34
The invaluable contribution volunteers make to the caring work of St Clare Hospice was celebrated when some of its longest-serving volunteers were invited to be officially recognised for their enduring commitment to the charity.
Eighty-four volunteers – who together have given 895 years’ of service worth more than £78million to the end-of-life care charity – attended a ceremony and afternoon tea held in Saffron Walden, with everyone presented with a commemorative pin badge to wear with pride.
The event was the third and final long service celebration to be held in 2023 to applaud those who have given five to 30 years of voluntary service to St Clare. Across all three events – which were also held at Harlow Rugby Club in February and at the Hospice during Volunteers’ Week in June – more than 300 volunteers had been invited to attend in order to be recognised for their dedication.
Volunteers contribute to all aspect of St Clare’s work across the breadth of its clinical, social and emotional support, fundraising, retail and administrative departments. From baking cakes, shaking collection tins and sorting and selling donations through its charity shops, to helping to support the administrative teams, or providing a warm smile and listening ear to those receiving hospice care, many of St Clare’s services would not be possible without them.
Stacey Towler, Volunteer Development Manager, said: “The difference our volunteers make to St Clare cannot be overstated. Quite simply, we could not do all that we do without the continued support of these dedicated individuals who freely give up their spare time to support us in so many wonderful ways because they share our passion for providing the best possible care to those who need it.
“Their role really is crucial in enabling St Clare to continue caring. Services like our Compassionate Neighbours, GriefLine and bereavement cafes are volunteer-led and would not exist without them.
“It is therefore true to say that volunteering for the Hospice really does contribute to changing the lives of the people who need the specialist care and support that we are able to offer. We are so lucky to have such amazing support from our volunteers, and we thank them for all that they give – week in, week out. We appreciate every single one of them.”
St Clare Hospice has a range of volunteering roles on offer, so if you have a particular skill or interest that you think may be beneficial to the charity, you can find more information about the volunteering opportunities available here. Alternatively, call 01279 773704 or email volunteer@stclarehospice.org.uk to speak to the volunteer development team.