As a local charity, the support and dedication of volunteers is vital to help St Barnabas provide crucial care and support to patients and their families in Lincolnshire.
With a growing list of fundraising initiatives, and the opportunity to choose your own, a team of volunteers support with community engagement and lend a hand at events. The Fundraising Department is strengthening this support network with growing opportunities to get involved.
No matter your age or experience, anyone can support the hospice – like Jim.
Jim Ferguson, St Barnabas volunteer, says: “I’ve been supporting St Barnabas for around 10 years. I just wanted to give something back, but really, I do it because I can and I like to.
“Being with people is probably my favourite part, whether it’s patients or bereaved supporters. I help with a Coffee Morning in Grantham, and there’s between 20 – 25 people that come along, and we just have a nice chatter.”
As an ambassador, Jim supports by strengthening the hospice’s support network, showing that every donation matters by attending cheque presentations, encouraging others to host events, and organising his own. His passion, willingness, and positive attitude help to raise funds across the county.
Most recently, Jim also lends a hand with the St Barnabas collection pots – an initiative that provides an easy way to support vital hospice care in the local community.
Jim adds: “I live locally, so it seems logical to me to help by picking up the collection pots from pubs, clubs or shops – either when they’ve requested one or need one picking up and returning to St Barnabas. It’s quite a proactive role, I try and keep in touch with the local businesses, popping in and saying hi, how’s it going – just to let them know that we care.”
Rebecca Hooton, Individual Giving Manager at St Barnabas, says: “Collection pots are a simple but powerful way for people to donate and raise awareness for St Barnabas while out and about in their communities.
“This quarter alone, the pots have raised an incredible £6,448.33, compared to £3,784.65 during the same period last year, that’s a huge 70% increase! You can see just what an impact they are having.”
Whether you’re a business looking for a simple way to give back or a supporter wanting to make a small everyday contribution, every penny adds up to make a real impact. Do you know of a shop, café, pub, or workplace that could host one? Call our Supporter Engagement team on 01522 540 300 or email supportercare@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
Jim continues: “Just before Covid, I did the Great Wall of China walk for St Barnabas, and that’s where I met Caroline [Head of Fundraising and Lottery] and Rebecca [Individual Giving Manager], and they asked me if I would be an ambassador.
“So mostly I support Fiona and the Fundraising Department with fundraising events and wherever she needs help. Supporting with picking up donations from in the community, occasionally making a small speech on behalf of St Barnabas to thank them. I’m pretty much jack-of-all-trades!”
Anyone over the age of 14* can volunteer, and it is a great way to meet new people, build new skills for your CV, and help make a difference to your local community. Roles are flexible to suit the time and skills you have, and those you want to learn or develop.
Jim said: “If it’s on your radar, do it! It’s worthwhile, you meet a nice group of people that you work with, and you meet people who have been touched by St Barnabas. And sometimes they just want to talk, and it’s just providing that little bit of comfort to people.”
Volunteers over the age of 14 and from all backgrounds are welcome to apply via the St Barnabas website.