We are holding an open evening during Student Volunteer Week next week to thank our volunteers and meet new students.
The celebratory evening on Wednesday 24 February at 6:00pm – 7:30pm is for those who have given their time to support the Hospice over the last year, aged between 14-25 years of age.
We are also hoping to meet students interested in volunteering to help with patient support, in our Hospice shops, with our events team or in another capacity. School, University, college students and mature students are welcome to attend the event at the Hospice on Spring Garden Lane, off Shootersway in Berkhamsted, to hear current volunteers share their experiences and find out about available voluntary roles.
Kristen, 19, a medical student who has volunteered at the Hospice for two and a half years, says: “I love volunteering at the Hospice as I get to meet different people from all walks of life, who are all in the unit due to their medical circumstances. My favourite part of volunteering is the feeling I get after I leave that I have (hopefully) made an impact on someone’s day by being able to make them smile, and helping them to feel more comfortable as they’re approaching the end of their life. Even a small gesture such as chatting about what’s on their TV or offering their family member a cup of coffee can make a small but positive difference to their day. Interacting with patients at the Hospice has really helped me to feel comfortable and confident when speaking to patients during my hospital visits at university.”
Gillian van der Merwe, Voluntary Services Coordinator, comments: “We actively encourage students to volunteer with us and always benefit from their enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the work of the Hospice. Apart from being rewarding, volunteering here can help bolster a CV, contribute to University coursework or count towards initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It is also an opportunity for the younger generation to find out more about the role of the Hospice in their local community. Whilst some stay with us for just a short time to complement their studies, others enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and help a local charity, and some remain with us for many years, long after they’ve stopped being a student!”
Student Volunteer Week is a national initiative to promote the positive difference that students have made and continue to make to their local communities, and encourage all those studying to give a little of their time to support others.
Anyone over 14 years of age who is interested in coming along on 24 February should contact Gillian van der Merwe in Voluntary Services on 01442 869550.
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