Oliver volunteers to gain new skills

“After finishing school and not knowing what I want to do as a career I decided to volunteer at the Hospice. It means I can try out different professions and gain experience while also supporting a good cause.

I really enjoyed my time in the kitchen, though I think learning a trade is what I want to do in the future. Working with the facilities team I am learning a variety of different skills including plumbing, decorating and basic electrics. I really enjoy working with Dom and the team, and feel proud to be supporting my local Hospice. ”

Eunsook volunteers to improve her English

“As an international student, I was looking for a meaningful way to utilise my spare time and potentially enhance my language skills. I think volunteering at St Leonard Hospice was the best choice. I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer work here, as everyone is considerate of my language barrier and is friendly towards me. This experience not only makes me feel rewarded but also fosters a sense of belonging within the community, going beyond just being a visitor in this city.”

Viv finds that volunteering offers many benefits

“It’s nice to give something back to a worthy charity and there’s the feeling of being useful, the camaraderie and the fact you’re part of a bigger team. I also love that it’s a physically demanding job in the donations centre, I don’t have to join a gym and when you get home after every shift you get a feeling of satisfaction that cannot be replicated.

Throughout volunteering it has really helped having someone there as a mentor, Vickie, who teaches me something new every day and how our work here at the donation centre does really make a difference.

I really enjoy using my previous customer service skills to interact with the public and my colleagues, as I thrive on meeting new people and being one of the friendly faces of St Leonard’s when people donate to us.”

Shirley volunteers to fulfill her hobby

“I love gardening, but as I don’t have a garden of my own anymore I wanted to find one I could volunteer in, when a friend who already volunteers here told me about it. I’m still in my first year here and it’s the first spring I’ve seen the garden in full bloom. This garden has so many beautiful areas, and they’re a very friendly group who’ve made me feel welcome here.

Volunteering here at St Leonard’s means I can do what I love doing, in a place that’s so important to the community.”

Kathy volunteers to connect with her community

“I lost both of my parents to cancer, and when my Dad was in hospital the highlight of his day was to see the man who brought the tea trolley round in the afternoon, as he always had plenty of time to chat.

I previously volunteered at St Gemma’s in Leeds so when I moved to York I became a Wellbeing Companion at St Leonards. I gain so much from listening to patients and their families, and from hearing people’s stories, and when I do get the opportunity to do the tea trolley rounds I hope that they gain as much from this as my Dad did.”

Oleksandr volunteers to improve his English skills

Oleksandr’s granddaughter helped him to share his experience: “Hello! My name is Oleksandr, I am a volunteer at St Leonard’s Hospice. I have been living in York for two years already and have had other volunteering experiences, such as gardening.

The organisation Refugee Action York that supports me and my family, helped me to find a volunteering opportunity with St Leonard’s. I am now helping at the retail donation centre. It’s helping me because I can communicate with other volunteers and improve my English skills. I am grateful for this experience as I feel useful and that it’s an important cause.”