On Monday 1 September, over 60 volunteers attended a coffee morning held at Searle House.
Volunteers from across Hospiscare, including fundraising, retail, care navigators, complementary therapy and listening service, gathered in the Supportive Care Hub at 10:30am. Teas and coffees were in full flow, as were biscuits and sweet treats handed out by Volunteering Co-ordinator, Becci, and her children.
Hospiscare Interim Chief Executive, Wayne Gale, and Head of Philanthropy, Lou Beeken
After plenty of teas and coffees had been consumed, as well as plenty of vital catching up at fully-seated tables, Hospiscare Interim Chief Executive, Wayne Gale, welcomed the volunteers and introduced the Volunteer Voice representatives in attendance: Ruth, Paula, Wendy, John and Ellie.
Wayne thanked Volunteering Admin Support Officer, Lucy Lewis, and the volunteering team for all their hard work in organising the event and provided an update on Hospiscare’s services and funding for all those present.
Volunteering Admin Support Officer, Lucy Lewis
Wayne concluded his welcome with a heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, telling a story of two patients and their different care pathways. One patient received basic and functional end-of-life care after repeated admissions to hospital and the other received specialist care from a hospice and died surrounded by friends and family. Wayne likened these pathways to pieces of furniture within the room – a functional but basic wooden stool and a comfortable, supportive armchair and asked our volunteers to remember that we are all part of the comfort and support that is vital to the latter care pathway.
Following Wayne, Head of Philanthropy, Lou Beeken, provided an update on Hospiscare’s fundraising. From events planned in the months ahead to the budget for the new financial year, Lou explained the ins and outs of fundraising at Hospiscare.
Exeter Community Team Leader, Claire Grigg, provided an update on our Rapid Response service, which will soon celebrate its one-year anniversary. Warehouse and Logistics Manager, Charlotte Davine, concluded the talks with a key update on all things retail.
Volunteers enjoying their first glimpse of the latest Together Magazine
The morning concluded with more chat, and of course more cuppas, before our volunteers made their way home.
It was wonderful to see so many volunteers returning to Searle House and to feel the buzz of the energy and dedication they bring to our charity. Thank you to all those who attended.
