From Volunteering to Finance

Browsing through emails whilst on honeymoon created a full-time “dream job” for one Macclesfield lady.

Michele Slack, 51, checked in on her emails whilst in Mauritius in February only to see a job which she knew she would love.

The role of a Finance Officer at East Cheshire Hospice was practically a dream come true for the Lyme Green resident who had plenty of experience working within the Millbank Drive environment.

“I wasn’t necessarily looking for a job but I’ve been a volunteer at the Hospice for the last 18 months and absolutely love the place so when I saw the job advertisement I knew that I couldn’t ignore it” says Michele.

“My mother, Marlene Jackson, spent her final last ten days at the Hospice back in March 2016 following a long illness and I saw at first hand the incredible work they do,” she adds. “The nurses couldn’t do enough for both my mum and my family and I knew I wanted to give something back.”

So Michele became one of the 600-strong band of volunteers who every day take on a range of different roles to support the work of the Hospice.

Michele helped on reception and felt quickly that she was part of the Hospice team and loved that she could fit it around her working life.

“You might think that this is a place of sadness and indeed people endure distressing times but it’s also a place which is full of hope and courage,” says Michele.

It’s not unusual for part-time volunteers to take on full-time roles within the Hospice team. Volunteer Co-ordinator, Helena Smith, says the Hospice seems to get under your skin.

“Another of our volunteer receptionists, Jane Hart, now works as a Clinical Co-ordinator three days a week here at the Hospice. It’s such an accolade for the Hospice that our volunteers get so much out of their volunteering that they want to spend even more time with us.”

Helena can offer a wide variety of roles to volunteers including running the reception, one-off helping at events and regular stints in one of the Hospice charity shops, all of which can be fitted around busy lives.

“Volunteers are always needed at the Hospice and they can give as much time or as little time as they like,” says Helena.

To find out more about volunteering contact Helena on 01625 664984.