‘I get a tremendous amount of pleasure out of volunteering for Blythe House Hospice. I love people and have always been surrounded by people’
Sue Boulton first started volunteering 12 years ago, helping the fundraising team before adding the role of receptionist, where one morning a week where she provides a warm and friendly welcome to everyone as they enter the hospice building.
It was while she was working at Otter Controls, that Sue, from Harpur Hill, was first introduced to the charity by work colleague Bill Preece who at the time was chair of trustees.
‘I was a production buyer and Bill was one of the executives there. He said why don’t you volunteer so I did. I put my name forward and that was it.
‘It was so nice, and I was made to feel so welcome. I got involved mostly at things in Buxton standing on stalls at events and it just grew from there.
‘I decided it was just a wonderful thing to do, to help raise funds, and to have Blythe House and all it had to offer right on our doorstep.’
Sue, now 72 years young, was no stranger to volunteering having spent time over the years listening to children read in school, helping with regular school swimming trips and even Meals on Wheels, whenever she was available.
Following her retirement Sue split her time between working with the fundraising team and on reception until Covid meant she had to take a step back – but not for the reason you would expect.
‘When everyone started wearing masks, I realised I couldn’t hear,’ explained Sue, ‘I didn’t know I was lip reading and couldn’t hear what people were saying.’
Sue then broke her leg which meant she couldn’t drive but she continued to volunteer, albeit with different organisations she supports in Buxton.
‘I always had Blythe House at my heart, and I really enjoyed coming back as soon as my hearing issues were addressed, and my leg was alright.’
She appreciates how vital the reception role she has on Wednesday mornings is to those accessing services at the hospice.
‘I am the first-person people see, and it is important they are greeted by a nice smile and a friendly face.
‘A lot of people take a long time to get through those doors as it is not an easy task coming in for some people.
‘It is quite humbling to be here, that is how I feel. People pass through at whatever stage they are at, and it is important that while they are here, we are here to make sure they feel safe and welcome as much as possible.
Sue said the support she and her fellow volunteers receive from Julie Forest, Volunteer Manager, and her wonderful team is so important as is the way in which volunteering roles are tailored to an individual’s needs and preferences.
‘You very much do what you feel comfortable with,’ explained Sue. ‘Whatever skill set you have there will be a role for you.
‘I get a tremendous amount of pleasure out of volunteering for Blythe House Hospice. I love people and have always been surrounded by people, all my career there have always been lots of people around me
‘It is just an enormous feeling that I am doing something not just for everyone else but for me as well. It gives me a reason to do my hair and get my make-up on and come out.’
Sue said some people worry about volunteering and if it will have an impact on their free time or social life. ‘I have found it enhances it.
‘If you volunteer you do need to make a commitment and to turn up, but you can tailor it to your own needs.’
Volunteering has now become a family affair with her husband Colin now involved. ‘Since he retired, he is now able to join me on outdoor events, we help at golf days, putting things up or acting as marshalls at events such as the Chatworth 10k or the Jingle Bell Jog.
‘We pick and choose which events we want to do, as it is your choice what you want to get involved in.’
Sue also encourages others to look at volunteering including her fellow members of Buxton Ladies Friendship Group.
‘A lot of the ladies are at a loose end, so I tell them to have a look around to see if there is a volunteering role they want to do.
‘Just because I have retired doesn’t mean you are finished and have nothing to offer. The volunteering does not need to relate to what you were doing and can be a complete change and open new avenues.’
‘It is not like having to go to work it is a pleasant thing to do as it is my choice to do it. It benefits me as much as it benefits the hospice, so it is good all round, a win-win situation.
Learn more about the range of volunteer roles at Blythe House Hospice
