Jackie Wayman has been helping out on the ward at East Cheshire Hospice for less than six months and wishes she had started sooner.
East Cheshire Hospice is looking for new ward volunteers like Jackie and will explain more at an open evening in the Hospice chapel on Millbank Drive, Macclesfield, on Wednesday, January 22 (5-7 pm).
Jackie, from Lyme Green, helps at lunchtime once a week and also does an afternoon on reception.
She said: “The Hospice is so well-loved by the people of Macclesfield and surrounding areas, I thought I’d apply to volunteer there. I wish I’d tried to fit in a shift before I retired 18 months ago as it’s so rewarding.”
“I really enjoy it. I serve drinks when the patients have lunch, help them if they need assistance, have a chat with them and make their family a drink if required. I then clear up and log what they’ve eaten. This all saves the time of the nurses and kitchen staff who’re always so busy.”
“I had very good training and there’s always someone to help if you need it. Everyone I’ve met at the Hospice has been kind and helpful because everyone is there because they want to be, not because they have to be.”
“The nursing staff are brilliant and make you feel valued and appreciated as a volunteer.
I know the Hospice are looking for men as well as women and it’d be nice for the male patients especially to hear and see another man on the ward volunteering.”
Volunteer Co-ordinator Helena Smith said: “We’re looking primarily, but not exclusively, for weekend and evening ward volunteers.”
Jackie Wayman with fellow volunteer David Black.
“Hopefully, people will think it’s a nice way to give something back at quieter times. The shifts can fit around people’s working lives and run from 9-11 am; 12-2 pm and 5-7 pm. It can be as little as once a month, or as much as once a week.”
“The role has a huge impact and we have volunteers from all backgrounds. We offer training and support and men and women are welcome to contact us.”
For more details contact Helena Smith (HSmith@echospice.org), go to the Hospice volunteers web page or Facebook page, or just turn up on Jan 22.