Hospice appeals for volunteers to join their team
With over 150 cups of tea and coffee sold every day, Treetops is appealing for volunteers to join their friendly teams at the busy Nottingham Magistrates and Crown Courts.
Treetops Hospice Care, which provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families, has been running the Crown Court restaurant for two years, providing refreshments for those who are attending court and their families and friends.
It’s a busy environment with over 3,000 eggs, 12,500 rashers of bacon and 4,700 sausages served up every year – with proceeds going to support the local charity.
70 year old Derek Hodgson from Arnold has been a Treetops volunteer in the nearby Magistrate’s Court for over 3 years:
“I was a retail manager for Denby Pottery based in Ripley. When I retired I got bored and I saw an advert for volunteers – I rang up, came for an interview and that was it. I didn’t know anything about Treetops before I started volunteering so I’ve been up and had a look round since.
“It gets me out of the house and from under my wife’s feet! It keeps me active and I enjoy meeting and talking to people – and I get the chance to do that here. I just come on the bus with my bus pass so it doesn’t cost me anything.
“You see a lot of regulars here and everyone’s very friendly – the customers and the staff and volunteers – we get on great together and we have a laugh. I serve teas, coffees, tidy up, do the till which is very simple and clear the tables.
And for those who aren’t sure, Derek says to just give it a go:
“Just come and try it for a few weeks. There’s always someone else with you to help you and all the training’s provided.”
The Crown Court caters for the general public, court staff, solicitors, barristers, magistrates and over 100 jury members each week
Beryl Bradbury, 82yrs from Radcliffe on Trent, has been a volunteer for 18 years:
“The people are very pleasant and nice. It’s very satisfying and you’re doing it for a good cause – you meet like-minded people.”
Mary Shore, Treetops operations manager, is keen to hear from those interested in helping out at the busy venue:
“We provide such an important service to the hundreds of people who attend the Crown Courts each day. Alongside providing excellent quality food and drinks, we’re a team of friendly faces for those attending the courts and could be feeling quite anxious.
“It’s a busy environment but this is great for us as 100% of our profits go back into Treetops and help us provide all our services free of charge to the local community.
“We really can’t do it without the help of volunteers and we’d welcome new people to join our team. We provide full training and support and it’s a great way for people to develop new skills, make life-long friends and support a really worthwhile cause at the same time. It’s a great experience whether you’re 18 or 80!”
Those interested in finding out more about the opportunity should contact Mary Shore on 0115 949 7354 or email mshore@treetopshospice.org.uk.
Treetops Hospice Care services include Support and Information, a Day Care Unit, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.
