Letter: Volunteers Oscars - A heartfelt thank you from us all

Volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of life at Saint Michael’s and we simply wouldn’t be able to support as many local people living with terminal illness and bereavement without their incredible commitment.

Our retail volunteers help run our growing family of community shops, providing a great customer experience and helping raise £800,000 each year towards the £5 millon we spend delivering our vital services.

Volunteer visitors spend valuable time offering companionship and support to local people living with terminal illness or bereavement, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, building confidence and reconnecting with their community.

Our caring volunteers give comfort and support to patients and their families at our hospice day therapy unit and inpatient units, supporting our specialist staff to create a caring and welcoming environment.

Our Just ‘B’ and Talking Spaces volunteers are there to give emotional support to anyone – adult or child.

We also have volunteer drivers, gardeners, receptionists, fundraisers - in fact, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Saint Michael’s, outnumbering paid staff by more than six to one.

We would like to publically recognise each and every one of our volunteers and say a heartfelt “thank you” for your commitment, enthusiasm, and passion.

Tony Collins

Chief Executive,

Saint Michael’s Hospice