I was supported by St Raphael’s Community Team during lockdown, while my husband was receiving palliative care. I was completely isolated with my very ill husband and St Raphael’s were honestly a Godsend.
When he passed away, it took me a little while to come around. I wanted to do something useful to give back to the special charity that helped us so much, during such a challenging time in our lives. I am not a gardener, but I loved the thought of helping the Hospice while being outdoors with garden work as my therapy, so I signed up.
I can’t tell you how much joy it brings to me to share my time and effort. It’s coming up to two years in July since I started in the garden. It is so delightful to go in, every time. Everyone who works at the Hospice makes you feel appreciated as a volunteer, always happy and jolly. It is such a lovely environment.
Volunteering has become such a special part of my life. It has been the biggest change in my life after my husband died and it has filled a big void in a lovely way.
Late last summer I started volunteering in orangery too which is wonderful. Meeting the loved ones of patients and connecting with people.
You can learn as you go, with a wonderful supportive team around you. It’s not heavy work, it’s wonderful. I’m 75 and I do what I can. I was suffering with depression when my husband died and volunteering here has completely lifted my spirits. I literally love it!
To anybody who wants to feel useful and give some time to St Raphaels, I wholeheartedly recommend volunteering here!