Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice at Oxenhope is using Volunteers' Week to highlight the important role of volunteers in providing its vital services.
The hospice has also put out a big 'thank you' to its volunteers for their unwavering support.
Andy Longden, who lives in Haworth, has been the Volunteer Coordinator at Manorlands for six years and is responsible for recruiting and managing the hospice’s team of approximately 190 volunteers.
“We simply wouldn’t be able to do all the work we do without our loyal volunteers and I want each and every one of them to know just how much we value their skills and support,” says Andy. “Whether it is welcoming visitors on reception, providing bereavement support or being part of one of our local fundraising groups, they are all invaluable and it never ceases to amaze me how much people will give.”
Talking about his connection to the hospice, Andy, who was previously a West Yorkshire police officer for 30 years, said: “My first experience of Manorlands was in the early 80s, when I volunteered for a couple of years on the inpatient unit taking drinks to patients. My wife also works here, so I would often come up and help out at fundraising events when they needed an extra pair of hands.
“After I retired in 2009 I saw a role for Prison Volunteer Coordinator come up on the Sue Ryder website and with my background it really interested me. I did that for a few years before eventually moving to the Volunteer Coordinator role at Manorlands in 2016.”
In his role Andy recruits, trains and provides ongoing support to the hospice’s committed team of volunteers, who dedicate their time to support the delivery of its expert care and support.
“We know that some people might not be sure about what role would suit them best,” explains Andy. “So we offer taster sessions and there are plenty of opportunities to try new things. Some people also choose to take on a dual-role, for example as a driver and also as a gardener.”
“Volunteering can be so powerful. It often gives people purpose and the fact that we have volunteers who have stayed with us for so many years is testament to how much they get from it. I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many friendships formed, with many of our volunteers socialising outside of their volunteering roles.”
One person who is keen to highlight the benefits of volunteering is 17 year-old Oscar from Bingley, who is currently volunteering at the hospice before applying to study medicine at university. He said: “I was surprised at how many different areas there are here for people to support through volunteering. There’s a role to suit everyone, and they all make a genuine difference. Personally I am learning so much from my time here, especially about palliative care as it is something I didn’t know much about before.”
Andy is keen to hear from people who would be interested in joining the hospice’s crucial team of volunteers, who hold roles across gardening and maintenance, driving, reception and admin, spiritual care support, fundraising, and inpatient unit support.
“We would love to hear from local people who are interested in giving volunteering a go. There are a range of roles available, but we’re particularly keen to hear from those who could support us by driving patients to and from the hospice, or could commit to a few hours on reception at the weekend.”
All volunteers receive full training as well as ongoing support in their chosen role.
For more information on volunteering for Sue Ryder, visit: sueryder.org/volunteer or email andy.longden@sueryder.org.
Volunteers' Week takes place 1st to 7th June.
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