Valerie Hatter – Front of House volunteer
My mother passed away at the hospice 24 years ago, and I always said that when I stopped working full-time, I’d come back here to volunteer. I started working here during lockdown, which was quite frustrating – there was only one of us on front of house at a time, and sometimes visitors could, understandably, be quite upset because of the restrictions.
Post-Covid, it’s so much better, but you still have the same job – there’s still people that need your kindness and just to hold their hand for a second and let them talk. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to listen, because people appreciate it so much. Also, I get so much support from the other volunteers on shift, and I’ve met some amazing people.
We’re the first faces people see when they come in, and they just want to see a smile and be told where everything is. If somebody’s new, I always tell them as much as I can, the things they can do, the things they can have, and make them feel welcome. If they’re used to hospitals, this place is worlds apart.
When I started, I said, ok, I’ll give myself six months, and if I come away feeling upset, it’s not the job for me, but this is the best job I’ve ever had. Just by sitting and listening to someone for a second, you’re helping this amazing place, and you come out feeling good. I have friends who say they don’t know how I can do it, but you get so much more back than what you give.
