BUDLEIGH SALTERTON AND DISTRICT

Hospiscare Volunteers

"We're always told 'never volunteer', aren't we? And some of us do just that – never volunteer. On the other hand, there are those who DO volunteer.  Why?  What's it all about?  What's in it for us?

I am a Hospiscare volunteer, so let me try to answer those questions. I could say things like – a desire to help, community spirit, being needed - but then you might stop reading this. They are true to some extent, but we are not entirely selfless you will be glad to hear. It is rather humbling to receive words of appreciation from someone who is suffering from a major illness.  It does rather put your own problems into perspective.

So what do we do?  In Budleigh Salterton and District, our main task is taking Hospiscare patients for treatment to the R D & E Hospital or to the Hospice. Similarly we drive people to the Day Centre at the Hospice where they can chat, be entertained, and receive massage and other treatments.  From time to time, volunteers will cook a meal for someone at home, or sit with a patient enabling the usual carer to get out for a while. All patients are different, with their own particular needs and personalities – even idiosyncrasies!  The volunteer must be prepared to adjust to meet the requirements of the specific patient.  Often LISTENING is the most important thing, sometimes conversing, sometimes knowing when to be quiet and giving silence a chance, but always being INTERESTED.

We learn from the people we help – sometimes about local history, sometimes about their life experiences – often described with great good humour!  Being a volunteer is REWARDING.

We meet once a month and plan the month ahead with the Organiser and the Hospiscare Nurses. This is very informal and is a social occasion as much as anything. The average duration of a "job" is two to three hours. Requirements vary but we are probably used about once or twice a month.  Hospiscare pays a mileage allowance for our journeys.

We are always on the look out for new volunteers.  You would be invited to attend a short course at the Hospice covering such matters as patient care and safety, confidentiality and wheelchair handling. Feel like joining us?"

Drop a line to Budleigh Salterton and District Hospiscare,
The Medical Centre, 1 The Lawn, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LS
or ring 01395 443629.

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