Local hospice Treetops thanks volunteers
with vintage afternoon tea
Local charity Treetops Hospice Care has held a special vintage afternoon tea to thank its volunteers for their time and dedication to the hospice.
The Volunteer Social, complete with Pimms and a selection of homemade cakes, took place at the hospice on Monday 3 June, during national Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions living in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. There are over 650 Treetops volunteers in all areas of the charity from supporting patients at the hospice in Risley, to volunteering off-site, out in the community.
Angela Walters, Treetops volunteer services coordinator, explained more:
“We want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our amazing volunteers. Treetops was first started by volunteers and over thirty years later, we really couldn’t do all of this without them! They’re at the heart of the charity.
“A significant number of Treetops volunteers aren’t actually based at the hospice itself, but are out in our charity shops across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, or helping out at our many fundraising events.
“They provide such a vital role helping us to raise funds as well as promoting the hospice, and we’re always looking for new people to join the Treetops team.”
Amongst those who attended the Volunteer Social was Lee Stokes, 60yrs from Sandiacre, who has volunteered for Treetops for three years. Lee condensed his full-time job into 4 days, so that he could help drive guests to the hospice to access services.
Lee said:
“As a volunteer driver, it’s very rewarding as many of our guests simply wouldn’t be able to get here to the hospice otherwise. We’re either in the minibus or in my own car, and I help guests come to the Men’s Group on a Monday morning.
“It’s nice to do something where you feel you’re giving something back to the community, that’s what I get out of it. I’ve met a lot of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise and it’s interesting.”
Lee, and his wife Teresa, also help at several fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteer roles at events include marshalling and running stalls as well as setting up events and organising car parking.
Jacqui Marshall, 72, from Sandiacre started volunteering at Treetops events eight years ago:
“I always help on the gate for the Car Boot Sales which is really interesting and good fun. I’ve helped on registration at the Starlight Strut (and formerly the Moonlight Walk) and I also run the Picnic Proms event taking place in June. I’m a fundraising ambassador so I go to community events and carnivals to promote Treetops.
“I like the feel of Treetops – you become part of the charity and you get to meet lots of different people all the time.
“I would say to anyone interested, just to come and give it a go, definitely. Events can be hard work but they’re great fun and I’ve made lots of good friends at Treetops.”
Angela added:
“We provide full training and support for all our volunteers and you can give a couple of hours occasionally, or a few hours a week, depending on when you are available and what you want to do.
“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 so we’d love to hear from you.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact Volunteer Services on 0115 949 1264 or email volunteering@treetopshospice.org.uk.
Treetops current services include Support and Information, Wellbeing Space, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.
Photos:
Teresa and Lee Stokes
Jacqui Marshall helping at the Starlight Strut
National Volunteers Week logo
Where every day counts – Treetops Hospice Care
