To mark Volunteers’ Week 2021, we said a huge Thank You to all those who give up their time and work free of charge in our hospices, shops, and gardens. 

We have more than 1,000 volunteers in our organisation. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the large majority were asked to put their volunteering work to one side. 

While some of our gardening volunteers were able to carry on working in our award-winning gardens others who give their time canvassing for the lottery, working in our 28 shops, helping at coffee mornings and clinics or working on reception, in admin or on the wards were asked to stay at home. 

Returning

They have gradually been returning to their roles as lockdown restrictions have eased and it is hoped that those who gave their time on our wards will be back at their posts within the next few weeks. 

Gaynor Lewis, our HR manager said: “We are so thankful to all of our volunteers, and we so appreciate them giving up their time and energy to help us here at Severn Hospice. 

“They are a vital part of the our community and really do make such a difference. We know how hard some of them found lockdown and how keen they are to return to their roles here as things slowly get back to normal.  

Frustrating

“For many who signed up to be a volunteer, the role gives structure to their day and the opportunity to meet like-minded people and forge friendships. To have this taken away from them must have been deeply frustrating.  

“Now our shops have all been able to reopen, we are able to welcome back our retail volunteers.  

“Our gardeners are so pleased to see their volunteers too – they have a wealth of knowledge and a real desire to get on with the job – whatever the weather. 

Normal

“In our hospices, as our services return to as near normal as possible, hopefully our volunteers will be able to come back too. We really missed than and we cannot wait to see them. 

“We don’t need an excuse to say thank you to all of them. We are thankful every day for the time they give to us. They are invaluable and play an integral part of our work.”