Supporting 3,000 patients, family members and carers in Worcestershire, St Richards Hospice is looking for volunteers to raise the £12 million per year it needs to continue providing specialist support to its patients.

The charity provides palliative care to adults with a terminal illness and supports their loved ones through caring responsibilities and bereavement.

There are currently 790 volunteers and 256 paid staff.

Speaking about her experience, Dawn Thorpe, volunteer recruitment ambassador, counsellor and fundraiser, explains: “Giving 1-1 emotional support to families and carers preparing for bereavement, I see the difference I am making in people’s lives.

“I love volunteering so much I actually now have several roles there.”

The community feeling as a volunteer is profound for Thorpe, who cites it as one of the reasons for others to volunteer.

She was keen to mention past fundraising activities she has participated in, including the Waddle of Worcester (which people came from as far as the Netherlands to see!), a cricket match which raised £4,000, and the Waddle of Worcester Farewell Event which raised £330,000.

Future events for those interested in participating include the Sound Bath Experience, the Broadway Marathon & Half Marathon, the Snowdrop Ball Winter Wonderland and more.

Alongside this, notable vacancies for the charity include working in a café, as a shop assistant or doing gardening and ground maintenance.

“Don’t worry if you don’t have any previous experience”, Thorpe explains, “all volunteers receive continuous training and practical experience”.

This experience can be used on your CV, UCAS form or as part of the DofE program, with the Hospice being particularly keen to appeal to younger volunteers.

Speaking about her experiences, Thorpe is adamant that volunteering for St Richard’s Hospice is worthwhile and implores anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go: “it has been an invaluable experience that has provided endless amounts of satisfaction.”

If you are thinking about getting involved, visit www.strichards.org.uk for further information.