Volunteers week
It's Volunteers' Week!
This is our chance to say a huge thank you to more than 1500 volunteers who give up their time to help out at #LOROS.
From those who lend a hand in our shops, on our snack bar, at events and drive patients to and from the Hospice - to name but a few - you really are amazing and we couldn't continue providing the care and support we do without you.
We spoke to just a few of our volunteers to find out what they do for LOROS and why.
Claire Ramsey is 38 and has been volunteering as a ward companion for three weeks.
“I’ve been on the look-out for a volunteer role for a while. Then a very good friend of mine came to LOROS on Christmas Eve last year and I just knew it was the place for me to volunteer, so calm and tranquil after the hustle and bustle of the hospital.
“I’ve only been here a short while but I’m really finding my feet. Today I sat with patients and gave them breakfast and then I tidied the room of a lovely lady as she was unable to do it and it was agitating her. I love it.”
Pamela Bale is 63, has been volunteering for three years.
“I used to work as an office and finance manager at a primary school. It was a full on job and high pressure and I took early retirement. But I wasn’t ready to hang up my boots just yet so I started volunteering for LOROS. I filled in a form and wrote down my skills and was matched with a role in Human Resources, filing papers, creating folders and sorting out paperwork.
“I volunteer here every Tuesday now and find it really rewarding. I’m not face to face with patients but I know that the support I provide is just as essential to keeping everything going. Without volunteering behind the scenes, the care of patients would not be able to happen.”
Roland Seja is 68 has been volunteering for around two years in Day Therapy.
“As soon as I come in here I feel about six inches taller.
"The staff and patients are great. They all have a story and want to talk to you and they all know me now, so I shake them by the hand when they leave.
“I used to volunteer at another charity but I didn’t feel appreciated. I really do here at LOROS. It’s a privilege to volunteer here.”
Alison Carter is 53 and has been a ward companion and home visitor for a year.
“I spend a day week volunteering as a ward companion and then visit a patient in their home too. I love it because you can make a difference. It’s really rewarding, I can see the impact I have. The last lady I supported was adorable I just loved her to bits. I try not to get too attached but how can you not? There’s lots of support from LOROS for volunteers, they talk to you, tell you to take time out if you need to.
“It’s not just about the patient, it’s about the family too. Just a hug for a relative can make such a difference. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who is not part of your family.”
Hina Pancholi, has worked on the snack bar for three years.
“My husband raised money doing a sponsored run for LOROS and I thought I should do something too so I asked whether I could volunteer. It’s a chance to help the patients’ families. We see them come off the ward for a cup of tea and a snack and they might be feeling a bit low, I give them a smile and chat to them and hopefully they feel a little better.
“I am so happy volunteering, I don’t want to ever stop.”