Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) is appealing for volunteers to provide support, comfort and companionship to patients receiving end‑of‑life care.
The End of Life Service at Harrogate District Hospital was launched last year in partnership with Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end‑of‑life charity. Since then, the service has supported more than 100 patients and their families.
Later this year, the service will be expanded to Ripon Community Hospital. HDFT is keen to hear from people in both Harrogate and Ripon who can offer their time - regularly or occasionally - to support patients and their loved ones.
End‑of‑life volunteers provide a calm, reassuring presence for patients approaching the last days of life. They offer companionship to those who do not have visitors and respite for families who may need time away from the bedside.
Volunteers offer emotional and wellbeing support; prepare refreshments; assist with practical matters, such as car parking information and meal vouchers; and hand out comfort bags to families and carers staying for long visits or overnight. They also help signpost relatives to further support and community services.
Dr Viv Barros D'Sa, Consultant in Palliative Medicine at HDFT said:
“Volunteers provide an invaluable contribution to the care we offer patients, families, carers and visitors at Harrogate District Hospital.
“End of life volunteers work alongside staff on adult wards and the Palliative Care Team. They are specially trained to support patients who are dying and those important to them.
“Just a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference at a difficult time.'
HDFT is looking for compassionate volunteers with good listening and communication skills, who are sensitive to the needs of people from all backgrounds.
All volunteers receive full training covering end‑of‑life awareness; communication and listening skills; safeguarding and confidentiality; infection control and hospital procedures; emotional resilience; and access to ongoing supervision and debriefing.
Tammara Milward, Ward Manager at Ripon Community Hospital:
“We are delighted that this dedicated end‑of‑life volunteer service will soon be available at Ripon Community Hospital.
“It will offer vital comfort and companionship to patients and their families at a time when small acts of kindness make the greatest difference.
"This service will strengthen our support for the local community and ensure that people in Ripon receive the compassionate, personalised care they deserve in their final days.”
Mel Milner Volunteer Services Officer at Marie Curie said:
“Volunteering in the end‑of‑life service is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You don’t need special skills, just compassion and a willingness to be there for someone when it matters most. Being able to sit with someone, listen, or simply offer calm company during such a significant moment in their life is a real privilege.
"Families and carers often tell us what a difference it makes to know their loved one is not alone.
“We’re delighted to be expanding our partnership with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, offering our End of Life volunteer service in Ripon Community Hospital later this year.
"If you live in the Harrogate or Ripon area and have a few hours to spare each week, please do get in touch. You really would make a genuine difference to so many people.”
For more information or to apply, please email hdft.volunteering@nhs.net or call 01423 557 408.
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