The beginning of June marked Volunteers’ Week, and to give thanks to the approximately 1,000 volunteers that work for St Barnabas Hospice, the charity has organised a series of events throughout the month.
The first of these events took place on Monday 5th June at the St Barnabas Wellbeing Centre in Louth. Dozens of volunteers, patients, executive staff members and special guest Mayoress of Louth, Julia Simmons, enjoyed a morning of socialising.
The local Can’t Sing Choir took to the stage and sang (very capable) renditions of Tom Jones’ Delilah, The Monkees’ I’m a Believer and other songs. Many of the attendees sang along, including Chris Wheway, Chief Executive of St Barnabas.
Chris said in his welcome speech: “Without volunteers, we would not be able to provide our vital care around Lincolnshire, they really are the backbone of our charity.
“We have around 1,000 incredible people volunteering in our 25 shops and at events to help raise funds, supporting our clinicians in our Hospice buildings, helping us host support groups in our Wellbeing Centres, manning our Bereavement Helpline, the list goes on.
“The support of each volunteer means the world to us, and we are hosting these Volunteer Thank You events to celebrate the great work they do for us. We are forever grateful, and we hope they enjoy these events as much as we do.”
One person who had a great time at the Louth event was Barry, a blind patient of St Barnabas. He treated those in attendance to two acapella songs including ‘What Colour is the Wind’, during which Barry invited listeners to close their eyes, so they may imagine the world as he experiences it.
Barry says: “Every Thursday I come to the Wellbeing Centre for the weekly Coffee Morning, I love chatting with the people there and the volunteers really look after me. They help me to my seat, get me a brew and some cake, it’s just really good fun and I look forward to it every week.
“Everyone is welcome here, not just St Barnabas patients but also their families, friends, carers and the general public, so do come along. I’m very grateful to St Barnabas, and I’m happy I was able to sing for all those lovely people today.”
Take a look at the video below for all the highlights of the day!
Every year, the hospice charity provides care and support to over 12,000 people around Lincolnshire. Care is given in its Grantham and Lincoln-based Hospice buildings, six Wellbeing Centres and in people’s homes across the county.
St Barnabas Hospice is always looking for volunteers who want to make a difference to their local community. A wide range of roles are available to suit different abilities, skills and interests.
Volunteers over the age of 14 and from all backgrounds are welcome to apply via www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/Volunteer