Hospice volunteers are an integral part of our organisation without whom we would be unable to provide the high level of care we offer to our patients and their families.

Throughout the Hospice, volunteers work alongside paid staff offering families the extra little touches which make all the difference. As a volunteer you will receive training, on-going support and relevant travel expenses.

Last financial year 2019/20, 830 volunteers gave 51,850 hours of their time saving £594,000 for the Hospice.

Who?

Our volunteers come from every walk of life, and whatever time you can give will make a positive impact to someone’s life. We are always looking for new faces to bring different skills and no matter what your motivation, circumstances or background, there is a volunteer role to suit you! We accept volunteers from 17 years in the Hospice. Our Fundraising Office and shops accept volunteers from 16 years.

When?

If you have a few hours to spare, let us know what your interests are and we can find something that’s right for you. You are able to give as much or as little time as you are able to. This could be occasionally at one of our events or as regularly as 2 hours a week in one of our shops or the Hospice.

Why?

Volunteering with St Raphael’s Hospice is a rich and rewarding experience that helps to deliver a great service to people in Sutton and Merton. There are many benefits to volunteering with us such as:

• Making the most of your past experience and existing skills to help others and give something back
• Meeting people, making new friends and being part of a team
• Developing new skills and brushing up your existing ones
• Gaining hands-on experience for employment

How?

We are flexible and can fit around your schedule, whether you’re retired, having a career break, work full time, in part-time education or just have some extra time on your hands.

Ways you can help

In the Hospice

Our largest team of volunteers is our receptionists who cover 4-hour shifts a day and welcome our patients, their carers and our visitors from 9:00 - 21:00, every day of the year. We also have a wide variety of other opportunities within the hospice such as serving in our Orangery Café, as an In-patient Ward Companion, flower arrangers, within our Wellbeing Centre and many more. We run a scheme for younger volunteers who are hoping to pursue a career in the health field. They can gain valuable experience with patients and relatives whilst being placed in a number of the roles mentioned.

Community Care

Our Hospice Neighbours Scheme sees volunteers visiting patients in their own homes, relieving social isolation and providing much needed support for carers. These volunteers recently won the Gold Award for ‘Volunteer Team of the Year’ at the Merton Partnership Awards 2018.

In Fundraising

We simply couldn’t manage without our dedicated Supporter Groups. These volunteers meet regularly in their local areas to organise activities to raise vital funds. They put together wonderful events from quizzes to swing nights as well as helping with bucket collections and placing collection cans.

You can also support us occasionally at our hospice fundraising events, such as the exceptionally popular Music in the Park concert. There are opportunities to help on the entrance gates, selling raffle tickets, serving refreshments, car parking and much more.

In Retail

With paid managers, our High Street Stores are run mostly by volunteers. People like you who donate their valuable time to help in one of our shops providing a great service to our customers. There are a range of roles within our busy stores and warehouse including sorting and displaying items for sale, window-dressing, serving customers and using the till, being a van driver or preparing deliveries in our warehouse. Please note we can only accept volunteers over 16 years of age in our shops.

Find out about our current volunteering opportunities or read some of our volunteer stories.

Contact our Volunteering Team