Joy is one of St Clare Hospice’s pastoral support volunteers who uses her expert listening skills and compassion to deliver pastoral, religious and person-centered care to the patients and families St Clare Hospice cares for. We spoke to Joy about her St Clare Hospice story and how she now feels ‘part of a team’.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at St Clare Hospice and what keeps you coming back?
‘During Covid, I saw an advert for volunteers and thought, I could do that. It turned out to be one of the best things I could have done. Now I don’t work as much, being part of the St Clare family gives me the same routine and purpose of my working life. The training opportunities and care taken are really excellent and I feel part of a team, so very important not to be alone.
‘I also really enjoy being part of the work of the Patient & Family Support Team and specifically the Chaplain, Becky, undertakes. It gives me a sense of being there for others. I have also expanded my remit and now visit a person in the community.’
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your time volunteering that really stuck with you?
‘It can be difficult at times visiting patients on the IPU and I had been informed that one person had been uncommunicative with everyone. Nevertheless, I entered the room and was delighted to have a long and happy conversation with them. That was a genuine feel-good day.’
Q: How do you feel your role as a volunteer contributes to the work and mission of St Clare Hospice?
‘I hope my visiting patients and their families, whether for spiritual matters or not, makes a difference to them and to the staff that care for them so diligently.’
Q: What have you gained personally from volunteering – skills, friendships, confidence or anything else?
‘All of the above plus a sense of my own Christian faith in action.’
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering at St Clare Hospice but isn’t sure where to start?
‘Just do it! Pick up the phone or call in. You will be made so very welcome and it would be great to meet you!’
Interested in volunteering?
If Joy’s story has inspired you to volunteer your talents and time with St Clare, register your interest in volunteering below.