My wife Marion passed away three years ago. Before she died she was in Forth Valley Royal and we asked to get her home and the hospice arranged for a bed to be delivered to the house and Hospice at Home team were there when she was brought home. They were so caring and supportive to her.

 

After Marion died I felt a bit lost and my son suggested I try volunteering. I am a bit of a DIY handyman so offered my services to see if there was anything I could do to help at the Hospice. 

Because of the amazing support we had from Hospice at Home I wanted to give something back as a thank you for helping ease the burden I experienced at the time. 

I come in a couple of times a week and have blended in with the Live Your Life team who have fully embraced me and it has been an absolute joy for me. It has been fabulous. 

I have helped do various tasks around the building and garden - in the winter when it was too wet do be outdoors I helped painting some doors inside. It was a great opportunity to meet other staff around the building and everyone is really friendly.

The people are generous and kind - I feel like we are friends and comrades now!

When the Hospice popped a social media post out about me last year it was amazing as a friend I hadn’t seen in 15 years got in touch and we reconnected again. We meet up once a week for a catch up and lunch are back to being old pals again which was another lovely thing to come from my volunteering.

When the staff say thank you for the work I do around the place I feel really overwhelmed. I am just happy to be involved and help.

I was apprehensive about volunteering at first, but I get great reward from being involved and pride from the work I can do to help around the place. I am thankful for the opportunity and it has been wonderful for me.

Being here has taken some burden off my grief and gives me a real focus to my day. I am sure Marion would be proud of what I am doing. If you have the time or inclination to volunteer it could become a part of your healing process. 

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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.