Lorraine is one of St Clare Hospice’s clinical admin volunteers. Lorraine uses her expert organisational skills to support our clinical teams with administrative tasks, helping them to best use their time to focus on the expert hospice care they deliver.
We spoke to Lorraine about her volunteer story and how volunteering her transferrable skills has given her a sense of purpose again after retiring.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at St Clare Hospice and what keeps you coming back?
‘I was aware of the work of the Hospice via friends who have benefitted from the services in the past. When I was due to retire, I wasn’t ready to stop being part of a team or ‘something’. I’d spent 50+ years working and then there is this big void. Being retired is fabulous but for me there is also a need to ‘do’ something purposeful.
‘I thought I might have some transferable skills that the Hospice could make use of and keep me out of mischief and maintain that sense of purpose and belonging you get from working. I came to see the team before I left work and started the first week after I retired. I have been here now just under four years and thoroughly enjoy every week.’
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your time volunteering that really stuck with you?
‘I can’t think of one moment, but every week I’m in awe of the dedication of the clinical team. Their dedication and support to those at their most vulnerable never fails to amaze me. I go home every week inspired and humbled.’
Q: How do you feel your role as a volunteer contributes to the work and mission of St Clare Hospice?
‘If I can provide some generic support undertaking tasks which are required but time consuming it releases more skilled/specialist roles to get on with what they do best. The more things I can do, the less they have to better utilise their valuable skilled time.’
Q: What have you gained personally from volunteering – skills, friendships, confidence or anything else?
‘I’m included as part of the team in everything they do, I’m appreciated and considered. When you retire or leave work, it is easy to slip into an isolating pattern and lose confidence. The less you use your skills/communication the faster they diminish. I only volunteer for half a day on a Wednesday, but it is an important part of my week, every week keeping me and my skills active.’
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering at St Clare Hospice but isn’t sure where to start?
‘Don’t hesitate, everyone gains – the Hospice, the patients, family, friends and you.’
Interested in volunteering?
If Lorraine’s story has inspired you to volunteer your talents and time with St Clare, register your interest in volunteering below.