In partnership with national campaign the Big Business Help Out, St Barnabas Hospice hosted their very first day of corporate volunteering, in line with National Volunteer Week.
On Friday 7th June, the hospice care charity hosted ‘The Big Business Help Out with St Barnabas’: A brand-new initiative for the organisation which encourages corporate supporters to come together, lend a hand in the community and learn more about what it means to be a charity volunteer.
The day saw over 30 attendees from a variety of large corporate and small start-up businesses, including local banks, accountancy firms and solicitors.
All generously dedicated one day of their time to support the provision of end of life and palliative care services for 12,000 patients and their families across Lincolnshire, every year.
After arrival and delivery of the day’s agenda, all attendees received an overview of the care and services provided by St Barnabas Hospice including Care in the Hospice, Hospice at Home, Wellbeing Support Services, Welfare and Benefits Advice and beyond.
Volunteering saw each group rotate around different departments of the Hospice, including Retail, Education, Fundraising, and Lottery, learning the individual responsibilities of the distinctions alongside how they work together as part of the wider organisation.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, was present on the day. She said: “Friday was a brilliant opportunity to see all our corporate supporters come together and attend the Big Business Help Out with St Barnabas.
“Supporters took time to tend gardens, sort donations, take part in First Aid training and support the Lottery and Fundraising departments with on-going projects.
“The day provided an insightful and all-encompassing view of what we do at St Barnabas and the variety of volunteering roles available across multiple areas of the Trust.”
Each activity was peppered with information from supporting staff and volunteers, with the opportunity to ask questions, initiate discussion and network with other attendees.
Steve Bond, Head of Volunteering at St Barnabas, spoke about how volunteers tangibly support the continuation of Hospice services: “We have over 1,000 regular volunteers who support the Hospice in a variety of roles, donating over 80,000 hours of their time every year.
“Our volunteering offerings span over 32 different roles, some of which our corporate supporters have had a valuable insight into, by taking part in our Big Business Help Out.
“Without our Volunteers we would be unable to continue to provide the care and services of the Hospice. Their support is vital, and we revel in opportunities like today where we can celebrate all that they do and share that with our stakeholders.”
Corporate supporter, Alexander Phillips, from Knights Plc shared his experience of the day:
“It has been fantastic to support Lincolnshire’s leading hospice care charity. We have really enjoyed participating in various volunteering activities and roles.
“It was an absolutely fabulous insight into the amazing work done at St Barnabas.”
The St Barnabas Hospice Volunteering and Fundraising teams are excited to announce that they are hosting a second corporate volunteering opportunity in Grantham, on Tuesday 8th October 2024. If you are a Lincolnshire business that would be interested in securing a place, please contact [email protected]
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.
The Hospice welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, over the age of 14. Please apply via the St Barnabas Hospice Website.