Alan, a graduate of Strathclyde University, volunteered with us for five months as a speech and language therapist to gain practical patient experience before going into full time employment.

Alan says: “Volunteering with Strathcarron Hospice was a brilliant experience! In the time I was here I learned so much. To meet and work with adult patients was incredibly helpful, as was working with the multi-disciplinary teams[SB(FV1] .

“I worked very closely with Sally Boa, a very experienced Speech and Language Therapist and head of education at the hospice. Sally gave me fantastic supervision and advice. It was incredibly inspiring to work with her and gain insight into the communication and swallowing challenges experienced by people in palliative care.

“I would highly recommend this to any newly qualified Speech and Language Therapist who would like to build on their experience as they start out in their career.

“This experience was invaluable to my job hunt. I could provide detailed examples in interviews of how I made a real difference to patients and how I worked with key teams e.g. Rehab, In Patient Unit and Community teams, as well as Consultants and nursing teams.

“I was surprised at how connected everyone was with all teams across the Hospice. They were focused on each and every patient, as well as their family members.

“I had no prior experience of palliative care and had never worked or been into a Hospice, so my initial thoughts that it would be a quiet and sad place. The reality is far from that!

“Strathcarron is not all sad; it’s such a nice environment. All the staff are welcoming, caring and do everything they can to make people as comfortable as they can. My one major takeaway is that there was no fear in the patients faces. It is such a positive and uplifting setting.

“I worked with one patient who was in the In Patient Unit for symptom control; due to be discharged to go home. The individual had issues with swallowing, so by closely working with the pharmacist, social work and housing teams I ensured that they could receive the right prescription and labelling, as well as any equipment and resources when returning home. It was a wonderful experience to be able to see Hospice Care up close – teams working alongside people to help them to live their lives well”.

Alan was an excellent member of the Team in the time he volunteered his time with us. We wish him all the very best in his new role…and hope he comes and sees us again soon!

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If you would like to discuss how you would like to volunteer at Strathcarron Hospice, please complete an Application Form or contact our Volunteer Service Co-ordinator Eileen Ashford on Tel. No. 01324 826222 Ext 271 or e-mail [email protected].

Eileen will arrange for you to come up for a chat so that we can understand how best to use your skills and expertise and what roles would be best suited for you.

By volunteering with us you can make a real difference.

If you are interested volunteering with the Hospice, please click here

If you are interested volunteering at one of our shops or in distribution centre, please click here

* Certain roles within the Hospice are subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.  Prior to the meeting with the Volunteer Service Co-Ordinator, volunteers will be notified of the documents required where a role is subject to a PVG check.