Volunteers Needed for New Hospice Service

Saint Michael’s is appealing for volunteers to help run an innovative new service that will help people living with terminal illness to be supported in their own homes.

The Volunteer Visitor service will help to provide both practical and social support for the Hospice’s outpatients.

The service, which has been funded by St James’ Place Foundation, will complement the charity’s existing ‘at home’ services and volunteers will help with things like shopping, attending appointments, household tasks and offering companionship.

Saint Michael’s chief executive, Tony Collins, said: “The statistics show that an increasing amount of people want to be cared for at home, but with economic conditions being so restrictive we needed to look closely at how we could respond to this need, especially with our ageing population in the Harrogate district. The support that Volunteer Visitors will provide for patients and their carers will be invaluable. We have a wonderful set of volunteers and our thanks goes to those people who have already signed up to be part of this exciting new service.  We urge anyone who would like to be part of this exciting new service to get in touch and find out more about how they can help local people live at home with confidence, independence and dignity.”

Volunteer Visitors will be expected to commit around four hours per week to the role and full training and supervision will be provided.

Anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer Visitor, or wanting more information should  can call Saint Michael’s on (01423) 879 687 or email info@saintmichaelshospice.org.