Celebrating Volunteers' Week in style!
Here at Bolton Hospice we spent this year's Volunteers' Week honouring the incredible dedication and hard work of our volunteer team. Their selfless efforts are vital to us being able to continue providing specialist care and support, and we couldn't be more grateful!
Check out what we got up to!
A Sweet Surprise for Our Retail Volunteers
This Volunteers' Week, our volunteer team embarked on a special mission: personally visiting each of our bustling charity shops across Bolton. Our aim was to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated retail volunteers who are instrumental in raising vital funds for the hospice.
Lisa Honeywell, our Volunteer Development Manager, and Ning Jack, our Volunteer Administrator, visited the shops, dropping off delicious treats and heartfelt cards to the hundreds of volunteers who support our retail operation.
"Our retail volunteers are the backbone of our fundraising efforts in shops," said Lisa. "Their commitment to sorting donations, merchandising, and serving customers directly translates into the funds needed to provide essential care for our patients and their families. It was wonderful to personally thank them and see the smiles on their faces."
Our volunteers shared how much they appreciated the surprise visits and loved hearing stories of how their efforts directly translate to the compassionate care we provide at the hospice.
Celebrating Years of Service
We proudly recognised our long-serving volunteers this Volunteers' Week, hosting two special events to honour those who have dedicated significant portions of their lives to supporting us. Volunteers with service ranging from five years to an incredible thirty years were celebrated for their extraordinary commitment.
Attendees were treated to a delightful afternoon tea, providing a much-appreciated opportunity to relax and catch up with fellow volunteers away from their usual roles in the shops or on the hospice ward. Key staff members from the hospice were on hand to personally thank each volunteer, acknowledging the immense impact of their sustained efforts. Every long-serving volunteer received a certificate to commemorate their dedication and remarkable contribution to Bolton Hospice.
Among those recognised were husband and wife duo, Jane and Dave, who have dedicated 5 years of their time to our online eBay shop, friends Mavis, Anne, and Marie who have collectively volunteered for 60 years across both the hospice and its shops, and hospice trustee and well-known local figure Councillor Andy Morgan who has reached 15 years of service.
Volunteer Voices from the Heart of Bolton Hospice
Behind every hour of volunteering at Bolton Hospice is a personal reason, a desire to make a difference, and a deep connection to the community. This Volunteers' Week, some of our incredible volunteers shared their motivations:
Student volunteer Amelie, who has spent eight months on our Inpatient Unit, reflects, "It's been a life-changing experience. I've learned that even the 'small things' – like making a cup of tea or helping with meals – can make a huge difference to patients and their families. It's also been wonderful getting to know the amazing staff and feeling like I'm contributing."
Furniture Plus volunteer Joseph has spent 10 years developing skills and growing in confidence with our retail team. Having previously struggled in paid roles due to being deaf and having learning difficulties, Joseph found a friendly and supportive environment in the charity shop: "I love volunteering at Furniture Plus. It's given me a huge confidence boost and allows me to develop new skills. I have met lots of fantastic people volunteering at Furniture Plus."
More members of our volunteer team shared their motivations for volunteering on postcards which were displayed across the hospice:
- "It gives me the incentive to get ready and get out of the house. I’ve met a lovely group of people who have become close friends.”
- “I love being a friendly face when meeting patients.”
- “I love volunteering with the hospice as I’ve learned new skills and made new friends.”
We have a large number of different volunteer opportunities, and with lots of training and support available, there is a role out there for everyone!