I have volunteered with Strathcarron for a number of years through the Trefoil Guild and have really enjoyed helping with the Light Up Your Life campaigns and Snowdrop Appeals. People are so generous at giving donations and their time to the Hospice as it is a wonderful place.

After lockdown I took up an opportunity to help the Compassionate Communities team as they were looking for befrienders. I was visiting a lady for while at her home who was housebound and another lady who I have taken for outings.

I enjoy visiting them, listening and having a chat about life and what’s going on in the local area. They seem to enjoy my company and having me pop in. It can take time to get to know each other but it is lovely to have company and we have been able to talk about things that have happened in our area in the past through our shared knowledge.

Befriending has been a humbling experience for me. It has given me a greater understanding of the challenges that some people are facing and the strength and incredible human spirit that some people have and how they cope with life with a life limiting condition.

I enjoy our catch ups and you gain a huge amount from volunteering. It is a two-way thing.

If anyone is interested in befriending I would tell them to give it a try. If you can listen and chat to someone that is the only skills I think you really need – being able to connect with someone is an important thing.

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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.