Saint Michael's is saying a huge thank you to the hundreds of local people who give their time and skills, making it possible to support people living with terminal illness.
Receiving only 25% statutory funding, the hospice relies on the generosity of the community to provide its vital services to those in need.
Across the charity’s family of services, its hundreds of volunteers double the number of staff and form a part of every one of its teams from inpatient care to retail and reception.
This Volunteer Week (2-9 June), Saint Michael’s is sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the variety of roles where volunteers make such a difference.
Karlyn is a Complementary Therapy Volunteer.
She brings her skills in massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to help patients and close carers relax.
This can lessen feelings of anxiety and stress, which can come with living with a terminal or palliative condition.
She says:
“I offer patients treatments in their homes or on Saint Michael’s inpatient unit.
“It’s completely up to them and how they’re feeling as to which treatment we choose and whether they would like this at all.
"Some people enjoy a soothing massage or reflexology, which I do with beautiful oils if they wish.
“As the people we treat are often very poorly, we’re very gentle with our massages and aiming to help them relax.
"It’s time to switch off and not think about everything else which is going on.
“For others, especially those who would prefer to stay dressed or not be touched, we can offer Reiki which is delivered with our hands above the person’s body".
Saint Michael’s cares for patients from its 10-bed inpatient unit at its Hornbeam Park Hospice, as well as in people’s own homes across the Harrogate district.
They support people with conditions including cancer, heart failure, respiratory illnesses and neurological conditions.
With 75% of the funds Saint Michael’s needs to run reliant on the generosity of the community, it has 11 charity shops across Harrogate, Ripon, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough generating much-needed income.
Phie Dors, who manages the charity’s Cold Bath Road shop, is grateful to have over 40 volunteers helping out in the popular store.
“Our volunteers like Dorothy are amazing and we couldn’t do what we do without them.
"They love the social side that volunteering with us brings and we love their instinct for great preloved fashion.”
Saint Michael’s regularly advertises new voluntary and paid vacancies, and you can find out more here.
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