Carol is one of St Clare Hospice’s volunteers, who helps offer comfort and connection as a Café Clare facilitator. We spoke to Carol about her St Clare Hospice story and how volunteering has given her new life experiences and friendships.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at St Clare Hospice and what keeps you coming back?
‘As I got older and ceased doing everything at the double and took the time to look around, I thought that there must be a place where I could channel some of that energy for the good.
‘So, five years ago when I moved to Epping, a friend whose husband had been helped by St Clare suggested to me that I approach our Hospice to see if I could help as a volunteer. I got in touch with St Clare straight away and the rest is history. I can scarcely recall now not being involved here.’
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your time volunteering that really stuck with you?
‘About 18 months ago, a transgender woman joined the Bereavement Cafe. She was still undergoing medical intervention and I thought it was extremely brave of her to join a group who likely had never met anyone before in the process of transitioning.
‘But she was very open and it was great from both sides to see her welcomed and her being so open about what she was going through. She left to move to a community near the coast, whom she had found very welcoming.
‘It was great that she felt relaxed and open with everyone. Even more so when she returned to visit and update us. We all of us learned much from her sharing so openly with us.’
Q: How do you feel your role as a volunteer contributes to the work and mission of St Clare Hospice?
‘An appreciation of the suffering that opens up for people both physically and emotionally is revealed during individual Café Clare meetings and with it a desire to help lighten, share this under the umbrella of St Clare. It is good that there are these opportunities for people to talk and share their individual problems.’
Q: What have you gained personally from volunteering – skills, friendships, confidence or anything else?
‘My involvement has always been two-ways, as I’m sure most volunteers come to realise – that whatever I put in, I equally receive. Another world opens up to experience and learn from as well as finding new friendships across the board.‘
Interested in volunteering?
If Carol’s story has inspired you to volunteer your talents and time with St Clare, register your interest in volunteering below.