This Volunteers’ Week, St Barnabas is proud to celebrate 12 members of their volunteering workforce who have been awarded Room to Reward certificates.
Each year, staff and volunteers at St Barnabas get the chance to nominate deserving volunteers through Room to Reward, and the whole reward scheme is free to the Hospice.
Those nominations are turned into thank-you breaks, giving our volunteers a chance to relax, recharge, and feel truly appreciated. Through Room to Reward, hotels and holiday parks across the UK donate their unsold rooms.
Barbara, Becky, Jan, Jane, John, Lorraine, Margaret, Rachel and Dave, Sarah, Tracy, and Sian, have all been successfully nominated by their managers or colleagues, and will now be considering where to go on their gifted hotel break.
Barbara
Nominated by Heather, Procurement, Purchase Ledger, and Finance Admin.
Heather says: “Barbara has been giving up her time to volunteer on the reception at the IPU for a few years now and always goes above and beyond the call of duty. In recent times, she has even offered to help during the day to allow staff to use their annual leave and ensure reception still has a smiling face there when visitors arrive. She has done all of this, on top of dealing with the ups and downs of supporting her husband through some difficult times following a cancer diagnosis.
“Barbara is always happy to help whenever she can and always does so with a smile on her face. She is the definition of selfless and should be recognised for this.
“By being available to support the reception at the IPU, Barbara has welcomed visitors who are going through such a difficult time, with warmth and understanding. This has allowed the IPU clinical staff the opportunity to do their jobs, without having to leave to answer the door or ensure visitors sign in on arrival.
“Her ability to remember names and faces, has made visitors to the IPU feel valued and supported during visits, making the toughest of times, that little bit less upsetting. In short, Barbara is an asset to the St Barnabas Volunteering team and I’m sure she will continue to be for years to come.”
Becky
Nominated by Rebecca, Deputy Ward Manager.
Rebecca says: “Becky is a volunteer in our Inpatient Unit. Her role involves giving out meals and drinks to patients and relatives, and also asking them if there is anything else they need.
“Last week, we had a female patient that wanted her hair shaving because it was so matted. With us being aware of Becky being a hairdresser, we approached her to see if she could help. She went out to her car and brought all her equipment in and helped shave the ladies hair. It was a big job for a healthcare worker therefore having a ‘specialist’ to help was invaluable. This was outside of Becky’s usual duties but was extremely helpful and it has made a huge difference to the patients comfort.
“Becky is always kind and courteous to patients, their visitors and staff. She always has a positive attitude and is attentive to patients needs. She always comes across as cheerful and understanding and is happy to lend a listening ear to patients and their relatives.
“She is always able to ‘read the room’ in all situations. She is a comfort to relatives and shows confidence whilst also being aware of her limitations. Which can often include newly bereaved families which brings its own challenges. She is also supportive to staff when requested. With the patients ever changing in this environment Becky shows great resilience whilst showing that she genuinely cares and has a good heart. It is an absolute pleasure to have Becky within our ward setting.”
Jan
Nominated by Amelia, Shop Manager.
Amelia says: “Jan has been volunteering at our Brant Road Shop for just over 5 years. When she first started to volunteer her main role was to work behind the till. As Jan progressed, her talents became apparent to us that she was a social and a very welcoming person. She took new volunteers under her wing on her shift and imparted her knowledge of how we do things in the shop. After her hip operation Jan was eager to get back to her volunteer role, she missed being part of our team and we missed her too.
“After the restructure of the retail department, Jan soon picked up the new ways of working and encouraged other volunteers with the positive attitude. Jan also put herself forward to become a lead volunteer with key holding responsibility. She was the first person to step forward and become a keyholder in our shop. This has meant that when staff take their holidays the shop remains open, for which we are very grateful, Jan has also helped train up another lady to become a keyholder too.
“On behalf of St Barnabas Jan accepts donations and talks so politely to all donors, she never misses the chance to ask for them to gift aid their items. Jan will often pop in the shop to make sure that we have cover, she always asks for an update on the shifts in the shop and is always happy to fill in where needs be at a drop of a hat. Jan took it upon herself to organise the Christmas outing for all the volunteers last Christmas and fabulous night was had by all.
“We are so fortunate to have our Jan, and we feel that she deserves this recognition so much.”
Jane
Nominated by Charlotte, Shop Manager.
Charlotte says: “Jane has been a fantastic volunteer throughout her time working in the Louth 1 shop. She is driven and motivated and always puts her heart and soul into the shop. Jane helps cover my day off on a Tuesday, she travels a good distance each day and works up to 4 hours on a regular basis. She often helps to cover my annual leave to keep the shop open which is most appreciated considering I don’t have an assistant manager, so this is a massive help.
“I feel Jane is always reliable and takes on the responsible roles in the shop while I’m not present. When I come into the shop after Jane has been in the previous day, I can always tell she puts her all into the shop by leaving it presentable, tidy and clean for me.
“Jane has also on a few occasions help raised money for St Barnabas outside of her role in the shop which I believe is incredible. I’m very grateful and lucky to have her as I would generally be lost without her help, this is always appreciated. I would like to nominate Jane as I feel she is well deserving of a reward to say thank you for all her continued help.”
John
Nominated by Silvia, Health Rehabilitation Support Worker.
Silvia says: “John has been an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer since he first joined us around 8 or 9 years ago. He initially supported the exercise group at Barrowby Road, and as demand grew, he expanded his role to help with the Tai Chi group. John quickly became well-liked for his helpfulness and cheerful demeanour, always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone. His approachability and warmth have made him a valued part of our community. Even during the lockdown, John frequently asked when he could return to volunteer, showing how much he enjoys being involved.
“Beyond his work with us, John has supported several other charities over the years – it’s just the kind of person he is. When the numbers in the groups he had supported began to dwindle, John took the initiative to help out with gardening at Barrowby Road. He often brings homegrown plants and flowers to brighten up our garden, and he’s currently looking to get involved with the hospice garden at the hospital.
“John has always been dependable and flexible, readily adjusting his volunteer days whenever we need extra support – and he continues to do so. We feel fortunate to have him as part of our team and are truly grateful for his unwavering commitment. Thank you, John, for everything you do.”
Lorraine
Nominated by Debbie, Shop Manager.
Debbie says: “Lorraine has been a volunteer over 30 years at Monks Road shop, and a few months with me at Nettleham Fields shop. She started working with me after Monks Road shop closed last November, and has taken on the role of keyholder, enabling the shop to be open 6 days instead of 5. During her time as a volunteer, she has given countless hours of her time to support the running of both Monks Road and Nettleham Fields shop. She gives generously of her time every week in helping customers and supporting myself and our volunteers.
“Her customer service is first class, and she has settled in very quickly to her new role. She gets on well with her fellow volunteers and our customers. Lorraine has a lovely personality and sense of humour. Lorraine is approachable, kind and caring and always ready to listen to her colleagues and customers with a friendly ear, especially those who have suffered bereavement, with a smile on her face.
“Lorraine is a cub leader locally in her spare time, and is well known and liked in our community. Lorraine is the perfect example of a committed volunteer. To be a recipient of this award would be the perfect way to thank Lorraine and show our appreciation for all the years she has committed to St Barnabas.”
Margaret
Nominated by Kelly, Shop Manager.
Kelly says: “Margaret is loved by us all for her great spirit and sense of humour, we are forever grateful for the time and support she so generously shares with us all here at The Forum. Margaret is wonderful with the soft furnishings and bedding ensuring it is full and looking fabulous all the time, forever keen to help and learn a new skill, the most recent feather in her cap is the role of valuing the records, one that takes time and patience.
“She has been the driving force behind the success of our bake sale in the Summer and our Christmas Fayre, she is the Master Baker for our events & her cakes are legendary and always the best seller. Margaret supports the hospice not only at The Forum but she has arranged multiple events within her own community & volunteered at many fundraising events to raise money and awareness for St Barnabas. She will always go above and beyond, we have many times had items donated that we could not make use of and Margaret will find a charity that needs them and deliver them to help support others.
“Thank you, Margaret, lover of wacky shoes and an eye for a fabulous dress! We couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do it without you.”
Rachel and Dave
Nominated by Chelsea, Deputy Shop Manager.
Chelsea says: “Rachel and Dave have been vital for the continued success of our shop here in Ruskington – not only during a currently short-staffed period, but for the entirety of their combined years here. Between two shops and hundreds of hours, the pair of them have dedicated their time selflessly and fully.
“Rachel has been a steadfast force of good in so many areas; from sorting all manner of donations, helping customers young and old, and supporting paid staff by taking on keyholder responsibilities and cover. She takes on extra shifts, is happy to fill any role and always meets customers with a bright and personal touch. Her partner Dave has also been an immense help for some time, but especially in the past few weeks when I have found myself short on volunteers. He covers extra hours at short notice during high donation periods, and even repairing broken goods that arrive in donations, so we are able to sell them and keep earning necessary funds for the charity.
“Sometimes the two of them will turn up together to assist on a day completely outside of their typical hours just to pitch in and make sure the shop runs smoothly.
“Between the two of them, I personally have felt incredibly supported and could not have kept the shop going as strongly as it has been without their continuous help. With a dedication to this charity and a smile for customers and fellow volunteers, these are an asset to this organisation. I believe they deserve recognition and am very proud of them.”
Sarah
Nominated by Karen, Volunteering Engagement Officer.
Karen says: “Sarah has been supporting St Barnabas for two years and is a familiar to face to attendees at both the creative group and the knit and natter group at Novak House in Boston. Sarah has given many hours to both leading and supporting the groups. The creative group in particular requires new ideas for crafts and the ability to share the techniques with attendees and this is a volunteer role that has been difficult to recruit to. Sarah has stepped up and ensured that the group has continued to run to support our patients and carers. We would be lost without her.
“Beyond her role as a group volunteer, Sarah has also been an amazing help with fundraising in the Boston area. She has helped to coordinate the knit and natter ladies in their stalls at Novak House to support at Care for a Cuppa events. In addition to this, Sarah looks for external opportunities to raise awareness and funds for the Hospice locally. This is an important yet challenging task and, in the autumn, Sarah helped to arrange a fundraising stall at Frampton Church autumn harvest event. Sarah ran a successful name card which raised vital funds towards Hospice care whilst also showcasing the services that we offer in Boston.
“Thank you Sarah! You have consistently gone “above and beyond” with your volunteering particularly over the last year. Your time and effort in supporting St Barnabas in Boston is hugely appreciated and we hope that you will enjoy some time for yourself through this reward!”
Sian
Nominated by Deborah Yarwood, Community Fundraiser.
“Sian has been a dedicated Events volunteer with St Barnabas Hospice for an incredible 10 years, WOW, in that time Sian has consistently gone above and beyond in everything she does.
“Sian is always first to offer her help whenever an opportunity arises, and she will bring enthusiasm every time. She is always the first to like, comment or share social media posts which is extremely kind. One of the many ways Sian goes the extra mile is through her talent for capturing special moments at our events and community fundraisers. She takes thoughtful photographs throughout the event and creates beautiful collages and social media posts afterwards giving lasting memories that can be shared with supporters, other volunteers and the wider team for years to come.
“Sian’s warm friendly smile is ever present, and she loves to be involved and help. She loves being around others and supporting the community which makes her an exceptional ambassador for the Hospice at every event she attends. Beyond her volunteering duties Sian has shown her generosity by baking cakes for our care for a cuppa and open garden events, bringing joy and delicious treats made by her and her Mum to all those who attend. Last year Sian even donated an Easter Rabbit for our guess the name competition and took it upon herself to facilitate the activity, demonstrating initiative, creativity and commitment to helping us raise vital funds.
“Sian’s dedication over the past decade has had a meaningful impact on our fundraising efforts. Her enthusiasm, kindness and willingness to go the extra mile make her a truly deserving Hidden Hero.”
Tracy
Nominated by Karen, Shop Manager.
Karen says: “Tracy has volunteered at our Burton Road Shop since May 2023. During this time she has proved herself to be a very valuable and flexible member of the team. Tracy has taken on many rolls within the shop.
“To begin with she took on the task of sorting the jewellery. The time-consuming task of un-ravelling endless knotted chains never got the better of her, her patience prevailing. Taking this particular task a step further, Tracy then took it upon herself to make small mystery gift bags, opening up additional opportunities to sell the jewellery that otherwise would not have sold. Tracy can turn her hand to most tasks within the shop. She researches the vinyl that is donated, prices it and puts it on the shop floor. When the need arises, she will price and size clothing items and top up on the shop floor. Washing up, sweeping, cleaning, whatever the need, Tracy will help.
“For me personally Tracy is priceless when it comes down to covering shifts. I cannot count the times she has covered additional shifts to keep the shop open. Sometimes this has been at very short notice. I also think it is worth mentioning that Tracy does not drive, nor does she live that close to the shop. For every shift Tracy works, which is now three as she took on an additional shift when someone left, she must catch a bus or walk. I can honestly say the dedication Tracy has shown to being a volunteer at St Barnabas has been outstanding. It really is volunteers like Tracy who keep the shops going.”
Without their compassion, dedication, and generosity, St Barnabas simply wouldn’t be able to provide the level of care and support patients and their families need.