East Cheshire Hospice is running Discovery Workshops aimed at finding volunteers willing to share their skills.
They are invited to attend drop-in sessions on Saturdays July 26 and August 9 between 10 and 12.
The purpose is to develop new services led by volunteers whose knowledge and expertise could benefit others.
Follow up sessions led by volunteers will then be arranged.
The Hospice wants to fully utilise the Sunflower Living Well Centre, a fantastic facility which opened last year.
Ameera Fletcher, Community Volunteer Services Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.
The workshops are co-ordinated by Ameera Fletcher, the charity’s new Community Volunteer Services Lead.
Ameera said: “We want to create a network of volunteers to deliver new services. They could be existing volunteers, or someone new to the Hospice.
“We aim to increase services for those needing support. They could include carers and others like the elderly, possibly with no record of Hospice involvement.
“These activities, hosted in a friendly supporting and caring environment, might reduce social isolation.”
The Hospice also wants to partner with local schools, community groups and patients to develop activities aligned to people’s needs. To find out more, email ameera.fletcher@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665685.
One idea is a creative writing group, a suggestion from the first workshop last month.
Volunteers at the first Discovery Workshop.
Other themes could include flower arranging, crafts, wellbeing, an internet café helping with new technology, festive wreath making, community music and social groups.
Ameera said: “All ideas are welcome. Activities would most likely be held in the evening, or at weekends, when the centre has more availability.
“We want to tap into skills and share talents. The Sunflower Living Well Centre has never touched some lives.
“Some won’t know it’s here and what a gift to be able to step through its doors and discover this supportive community.”
“Some volunteers might want to stay in the background making tea which is fine. Others might prefer to lead an activity on a topic dear to them.
“We don’t want to replicate all the great work already happening in community halls and churches.
“Essentially, it’s about what the community wants and hopefully that fits in with our volunteers’ specialist subjects.”
Ameera spent 12 years as a trustee and director of Cre8, a charity organising youth projects on the Moss Rose estate.
Her remit at the Hospice also includes its popular befriending service.
Health professionals can refer into the service and can contact Ameera to find out more and discuss possible referrals.
