Receiving only 25% statutory funding, the hospice relies on the generosity of the community to provide its vital services to those in need.
Across the charity’s family of services, its hundreds of volunteers double the number of staff and form a part of every one of its teams from inpatient care to retail and reception.
This Volunteers' Week (2-8 June), Saint Michael’s is sharing a behind the scenes glimpse of the variety of roles where volunteers make such a difference.
Karlyn is a Complementary Therapy Volunteer. She brings her skills in massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to help patients and close carers relax. This can lessen feelings of anxiety and stress, which can come with living with a terminal or palliative condition.
She says: “I offer patients treatments in their homes or on Saint Michael’s inpatient unit.
“It’s completely up to them and how they’re feeling as to which treatment we choose and whether they would like this at all. Some people enjoy a soothing massage or reflexology which I do with beautiful oils if they wish.
“As the people we treat are often very poorly, we’re very gentle with our massages and aiming to help them relax. It’s time to switch off and not think about everything else which is going on.
“For others, especially those who would prefer to stay dressed or not be touched, we can offer Reiki which is delivered with our hands above the person’s body.
“We’re here to support close carers such as husbands and wives, children or siblings as well as patients. Caring for a relative or friend who is living with a terminal illness can be challenging and we also want to support them with anxiety or stress. Sometimes we offer our complementary therapies to loved ones who are bereaved.
“We have such lovely feedback- people often say they’re sinking into the bed or feel very calm. Sometimes I give them an aroma stick to take away with them so they can use it to remember the experience whenever they wish.
“My favourite thing about volunteering in this role is knowing the difference my treatments can make to those we care for.”
Saint Michael’s cares for patients from its 10 bed inpatient unit at its Hornbeam Park Hospice, as well as in people’s own homes across the Harrogate district. They support people with conditions including cancer, heart failure, respiratory illnesses and neurological conditions.
Meanwhile, at Saint Michael’s weekly Friday wellbeing drop in, volunteers including Gill, Sam and Liz (pictured), provide a safe space for people experiencing terminal illness or bereavement to chat with peers.
Gill said “when someone says they feel heard it feels really rewarding.”
Liz added that “I really enjoy the comradeship and the support the group provides to each other.”
With 75% of the funds Saint Michael’s needs to run reliant on the generosity of the community, it has 11 charity shops across Harrogate, Ripon, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough generating much-needed income.
Phie Dors, who manages the charity’s Cold Bath Road shop, is grateful to have over 40 volunteers helping out in the popular store. “Our volunteers like Dorothy (pictured) are amazing and we couldn’t do what we do without them. They love the social side that volunteering with us brings and we love their instinct for great preloved fashion.”
Tina Hedges, Saint Michael’s Deputy Chief Executive, thanks all of the charity’s volunteers: “We are incredibly grateful for the immeasurable difference our volunteers make as valued members of our team.
“Rising operational costs—including increasing National Insurance employer contributions, a rise in the National Minimum Wage and broader financial pressures facing our sector – means we’re facing a once in a generation funding challenge. Yet, in the face of these challenges, our volunteers’ dedication means we can continue to not only deliver, but exceed our target of being there for 50% more people.”
Saint Michael’s regularly advertise new voluntary and paid vacancies via saintmichaelshospice.org/vacancies, and those who wish to register their interest to support in other ways are welcome to do so via saintmichaelshospice.org/volunteer.