Will’s volunteering story

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Will Pritchard has volunteered with the hospice’s online retail team since 2022, to gain experience and develop his skills in digital sales and communication.

Will, who is 22-years-old and lives in Chinley, explained: ‘I already had connections with the hospice since working in adult and dementia care which were very interesting roles. The people here are very welcoming and kind. I wanted to develop my digital and computer skills; and so, when I applied to become a volunteer, the team suggested I spend time with the eBay team.

‘I volunteer alongside the eBay team; Gavin Peach, Rosie Aston and Jane Turner, at least twice a week at the hospice’s unit in Bridgemont near Whaley Bridge. I help to list items on the eBay account, including taking photographs; researching prices for items; and looking for anything that might be worth a higher price to raise more money for the hospice.

‘I find the role very fun, rewarding and exciting. I am boosting my skills whilst helping a charity that I think is amazing. It is something I am proud to say that I have done in my life.

‘If you’re struggling to develop skills, looking for experience in a certain career field, or wondering what to do as a career, I would definitely recommend volunteering; it is very underrated. Everyone should get involved in volunteering at some point in their life.’

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at the hospice.

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Fleur’s volunteering story

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Fleur Pennycard has volunteered at our New Mills shop since October 2021, after she moved to the High Peak from Kent to be closer to her sister.

The New Mills resident volunteered at a Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice shop for 13 years before moving up north, and it was Fleur’s sister who initially got her involved at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

Fleur explained: ‘My sister saw volunteering opportunities being advertised in the window of the shop, so I came in and spoke to Jayne [the shop manager], who gave me the forms to fill in.

‘I undertake lots of tasks including using the till, serving customers, pricing stock, sorting donations, and cashing up at the end of the day.

‘Volunteering here I have made new friends; they’re like family really. If you’re feeling a bit down, you have a real laugh here. I enjoy talking to customers and knowing that I’m helping a local charity. Coming here breaks the day up too; you can get out of the house and get some fresh air. If you’re indoors all day it can be a lot.

‘If you’re thinking of giving volunteering a go, I would say go for it. It gives you confidence; you have a laugh and a good time, meet new people and make new friends.’

Find out more about volunteering at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust, including at our shops.

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Pru and Diane’s volunteering story

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Pru Kirby and Diane Bradwell – who both live in Bakewell – have been ‘very good friends for a very long time,’ and it was a mutual friend that inspired them to get involved in volunteering to support their local hospice charity.

Pru, left, and Diane

Pru, who originally hails from Dorset, has lived in the Derbyshire Dales for more than 40 years, and Diane, known as Di to many, came from Bedfordshire to Bakewell around five decades ago.

The pair, who both had long and happy careers in education, Pru as a learning support assistant and Di as a special education primary school teacher, got involved with volunteering for Helen’s Trust in 2016, and they’ve continued to support the charity since it partnered with Blythe House back in 2020.

Pru explained: ‘We got involved after a mutual friend’s husband sadly died and she wanted to do some fundraising for Helen’s Trust in his memory. We got involved in helping with fundraising, including hosting stalls and helping out at events.

‘As well as fundraising events, I now support the hospice’s charity shop on Matlock Street in Bakewell every Monday morning. I volunteer alongside Ruth [Brown, trustee of the charity and former Hospice at Home manager], and she is great fun.

‘We undertake tasks including sorting and steaming donations, chatting to customers, banking, cleaning and displaying items for sale. It is really nice to do something for the community, and meet our regular customers who come in often. We also greet a lot of tourists and it is nice to find out where they’re visiting from.

‘I feel I am making a difference and giving something back to my community. I’ve never had support from the charity personally, but I see it as supporting a local charity and as a social opportunity too; meeting new people and getting to know each other. There is a good group of us.’

Pru and Di continue to support the hospice at fundraising events, working alongside Lauri Benning, our community fundraiser for the Derbyshire Dales. They help out at stalls including at Bakewell and Chatsworth Christmas Markets, and our hugely popular Chatsworth 10k event every September.

Di said: ‘I feel that volunteering has just always been a part of me, as my whole family has always given their time to support charities that mean something to them – including my Mum, Dad, brother and sister. My Mum received an MBE for her voluntary services to girl guiding and supporting Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight.

‘The role of fundraising volunteer is very rewarding. You’re not just giving your time, as you’re getting something back; helping the hospice to raise the funds it needs to continue. It’s amazing to see how it has grown and developed in the time that we have been involved, including its partnership with Blythe House, and all of the local patients it supports.’

Find out more about volunteering your time to support Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

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Margaret’s volunteering story

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Margaret Charlton has volunteered in a range of roles at Blythe House for over a decade. Here, in her own words, Margaret, from Buxton, explains that ‘variety is the spice of life’…

‘“Go and have a look at Blythe House Hospicecare” several people said to me back in 2012. I had just retired after 30 years’ nursing; 28 years in a variety of roles providing treatment and support for patients living with cancer.

‘When we settled into Buxton, I went looking for more variety and something different in which to volunteer: “Nothing to do with healthcare thank you very much”, I said… I tried a few different things, but nothing entirely hit the spot for me. Hence, “go and look at Blythe House” kept cropping up in conversation.

‘So, I drove up, walked in the door and I was sold. It felt like slipping into comfy slippers; everyone was so welcoming. Nicki [Theaker, now facilities support coordinator at the hospice] took me under her wing and soon I was in the kitchen on Tuesday mornings; serving up teas, coffees and helping to prepare lunches. What a lovely way to spend a morning, meeting everyone and helping in a small way to look after our patients, staff and volunteers. We had a lot of fun and laughs along the way!

‘Alongside kitchen support, I also helped on occasion in our then Information and Support Centre, with fundraising in various ways, and spent a short while as a trustee, at a time of big changes in the organisation. I even found myself speaking to Prince Edward when he visited in 2015 as we celebrated our 25th anniversary. Variety wasn’t in it! And those were just a tiny part of all the amazing things that were going on at the hospice.

‘In 2016, the hospice established its brand-new Hospice at Home service, and shortly afterwards I joined the second cohort of volunteers on the very thought-provoking and enjoyable training, with input from virtually all hospice staff. And then I was out supporting patients and families in the community, meeting more amazing people with all the ongoing supervision and encouragement I needed from the Community Volunteer team. I loved it!

‘In 2020, I stepped back for a while to spend more time with my husband, Jack and look after him while he needed me to be there for him, and I also needed to be with him. Now I’ve come back to find familiar and new friendly faces, a familiar but new building and familiar and new ways of working together as a cohesive, responsive and forward-looking flexible unit. It’s a happy and exciting place to be!

‘I was invited to update my knowledge by joining the new patient-facing volunteer training which has equipped me to help as a volunteer in new roles. Appropriate training of all kinds has always been a great part of volunteering at the hospice; I’ve learnt so much. I’m now back in the community providing company to patients, carer respite and dog walking, but there are so many other ways to help in the community – in conjunction with Helen’s Trust in the Derbyshire Dales, this service has grown enormously since it began. I’m also now helping (I think!) in reception and with the Thursday afternoon patients’ support group.

‘The part of me that thirsts for variety is being quenched very nicely indeed with these different roles in which all our volunteers are vital and so much appreciated. There are truly so many ways we can contribute, and the satisfaction and fun in doing so is immensely rewarding! I certainly gain far more than I give to this essential service and asset to our community, and I can thoroughly recommend giving it a go– you will have so much to offer this thriving enterprise and so much fun and satisfaction to look forward to!’

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

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Olena’s story

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Olena Kleimenova has volunteered at Blythe House’s Whaley Bridge department store since summer 2022, after moving to the UK with her 11-year-old son from the horror of war in her home country, Ukraine.

Sadly when they first arrived in the UK, Olena and Bogdan had to say a very hard goodbye to husband and dad, Sergey, and 19-year-old son and brother, Eduard, who were still at home in Kyiv.

Olena explained: ‘It is very hard to be away from my husband and my son. We miss them lots. Sergey has a bad knee injury and has passed by the army medical team as unfit to serve. Because of this, I hope he will be able to join us here in England soon. Eduard sadly needs to stay in Ukraine as he is 19-years-old and could be called up to serve in the army. He is studying at the Kiev Linguistic University as an interpreter for English and French.’

In December 2022, just in time for Christmas, Sergey joined Olena and Bogdan here in the High Peak.

Olena, who worked as a corporate lawyer for a food production company, has been learning English since arriving in July, by undertaking classes with the Zink Project in Buxton; Fairfield Adult Community Education Centre; and Whaley Bridge Uniting Church.

Bodgan attended school in Furness Vale but now goes to secondary school in New Mills where he is enjoying playing football as part of the under-12s team, and having lessons in English, with support from a teacher who can speak Russian.

Olena and Bogdan are residing in Buxworth, in a holiday let owned by former teacher, Marion Hayes.

Marion explained: ‘I expressed an interest in supporting Ukrainian refugees back in January 2022 when the opportunity first arose. I met a friend of Olena’s who was living in Furness Vale; Bogdan and her son are very good friends and she suggested I could support Olena and her family. As I was a sponsor, I had to apply for Olena and Bogdan’s visa. We were expecting it to take weeks, but it actually only took three days, and Olena and Bogdan arrived with us on the 6th July.

‘I was speaking to my friend Stephanie who is a volunteer at the Whaley Bridge shop, about potential opportunities for Olena to develop her English language skills and to gain more confidence. Stephanie suggested we chat to Anne, the shop manager, and we arranged for Olena to start volunteering at the shop.’

Olena continued: ‘I volunteer at the shop for three hours per week every Thursday. I have helped with steaming and pricing clothes, hanging photos, cleaning, and being a cash operator on the till.

‘I enjoy learning about the history of the people there. They are very helpful. It is a very positive and comforting experience, and it is helping me to learn English. It is good to get out of the house and I am happy that my work is helping people. I hope to be able to develop my English skills and become a lawyer here in England; that is my dream.’

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at the hospice or any of our five local high street shops.

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Carole’s volunteering story

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Carole Trodden started volunteering at Blythe House Hospicecare’s New Mills Shop in May 2022. Carole felt she wanted to give something back to the community, after a beloved friend died at a nearby hospice.

Carole was donating items to the shop on Union Road when she saw a sign in the window that stated: ‘Could you spare four hours to volunteer here?’ The Disley resident had recently semi-retired from her 20-year role as a records manager in an NHS mental health trust. She said: ‘That’s what drew me in; I wanted to give back to my local community.’

When starting her role at New Mills shop every Wednesday morning, Carole loves the feeling that she had no intense responsibilities given to her, unlike her previous strategic role, and she can just be herself, have fun and be creative. Carole has ‘hit it off instantly’ with a fellow volunteer, and they’ve become great friends.

Jayne, the manager of the shop describes the pair as the “creative team,” spending their Wednesday mornings at the shop, normally up the ladders creating and re-arranging new and exciting displays.

Carole said: ‘We really look forward to our shifts as they are so much fun. We love chatting to customers and our regulars; meeting new people; being creative and just the fact that every day is different.

‘We sort through donations and display items for sale. One of my favourite parts of sorting through bags is that you never quite know what you’ll find; it’s like a guessing game of “what’s in the bag?” Many times, donors will share stories about why they’re donating items – some are very poignant and emotional – we receive some wonderful donations.

‘Another aspect I enjoy about volunteering here is that the Blythe House and Helen’s Trust charity shops have a zero waste to landfill policy on saleable items, which is such an amazing thing that you don’t often see in charity shops and it’s such a big plus for the hospice being more environmentally conscious.’

Could you spare just four hours of your time per week to volunteer in one of our local shops? We’d be delighted to hear from you!

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Community volunteering – Jon’s story

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Jon Davey became a community volunteer in November 2019, supporting local patients in the comfort of their own homes across the High Peak and Hope Valley.

The Buxton resident regularly attended the hospice’s prostate cancer support group, following his diagnosis with the condition in 2009.

Jon used to be a consultant for safety and occupational health management, working in schools and colleges. He has also owned a bakery, been a taxi driver, steel worker, social worker, manager, industrial trainer, and a teacher, both in the UK and in Sudan.

Now retired, Jon explained: ‘Volunteering was really just something I fancied doing; I have always volunteered my time in my local community and I recognised the fact that I missed doing this. I like being with people and talking to them. The opportunity to join the Community Volunteer programme came up, and I recognised that I needed this fulfilment so I signed up. I found the volunteer training really useful; it refreshed skills I have already, and taught me new ones.

‘I provide companionship to patients, and carer respite for their families, so that they can go shopping, run errands or to meet friends, to give them a break from caring for their loved one, which can be exhausting and all-consuming. I have also been on hand to help with immediate need for carer breaks, where partners or carers have needed to leave quickly, so I’ve been able to step in to sit with the patient for a few hours.

‘I really like meeting new people, and I feel like I’ve been of use by helping out and feel very much a part of my local community. It is a real honour to share time with people at this stage in their lives. I have a real sense of fulfilment in my role, and would definitely recommend it to other people, who might have some spare time to help others. Julie, the hospice’s volunteer manager, and the team are always there with support. The whole picture is very rewarding: to be useful, to be appreciated, and to appreciate people.’

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.

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‘Guided me to where I am today’ – Emily reflects on her hospice work placement

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Emily Efstathiou undertook a work placement at Blythe House in 2019, whilst she was studying Business at Buxton and Leek College – an experience she believes has ‘influenced and guided’ her to where she is today, working as a marketing apprentice at a local company.

Emily, who’s from Buxton, said: ‘What a wonderful organisation Blythe House is; they support so many individuals who have a life-limiting illness or who are bereaved. My Grandma used to visit the hospice every week, she loved it, visiting Blythe House enabled her to enjoy her end of life in a positive and happy environment. The reason for me contacting Blythe House was from my Grandma’s experience, but also knowing they have many job roles within the organisation – I wanted to see if any were of my interest.

‘Reflecting now on my time spent at Blythe House, I believe my experience has influenced and guided me to where I am at today. The sector I enjoyed working in the most while at Blythe House was the marketing department. I am now currently working as a marketing assistant for a local company.

‘What I enjoyed most was getting to know the team and most of all, the patients. Learning about the organisation and how they make a difference to those who need support the most – also how Blythe House supports not only the patients themselves but their families too.

‘I would really recommend being apart of Blythe House if that’s either working within the team or as a volunteer. My biggest takeaway was that you feel rewarded for helping those who need your support. Seeing the patients happy is the biggest reward as you know you’ve made a difference. It was really heartwarming.’

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Susan’s story

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Susan Seddon started volunteering at Blythe House’s Whaley Bridge shop in 2020, as a way of making new friends and giving something back to the community, after retiring from her role in retail.

Susan, who’s from High Lane, explained: ‘My family live in the High Peak – including my mum in Chinley and my daughter in Furness Vale – and so I am regularly here in the area seeing my loved ones.

‘After I retired from my managerial position at a large department store, I really missed the social aspect of work and wanted to do something where I’d feel I was making a difference and that I was giving something back.

‘I love my role at the hospice shop – I am happy to get involved in whatever needs doing – bringing new stock to the shop floor, and displaying it – even just making cups of tea for my fellow volunteers!

‘It is such a great bunch of people; everyone is so kind and friendly. We have a good laugh and we all know we’re working towards the same goal – to support the fantastic work of a local charity.’

Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Blythe House’s Whaley Bridge shop – and other retail outlets in Bakewell, Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith and New Mills.

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Becky’s story – work placement volunteer

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‘It’s been an amazing opportunity to shadow someone in my chosen career, and to help people like my Dad to make their everyday lives better.’

Becky Howes volunteered with our physiotherapy and occupational therapy team between January and June 2022, on work placement during her time at college studying health and social care.

Becky (left) with Miriam, OT

Becky, from Chapel-en-le-Frith, will find out her college results in the next few weeks and is hoping to study occupational therapy (OT) at university in Sheffield from September.

Mick, Becky’s dad, received care and support from the hospice when he was in remission from larynx cancer (affecting the voice box) back in 2015.

Becky explained: ‘I have been volunteering with Miriam, the hospice’s OT, and Angela, physiotherapist, for one day per week since January 2022. As part of my college studies, I needed to undertake a work placement and wanted to gain more experience of the career that I will hopefully be going into.

‘I was originally placed in a primary school but I didn’t enjoy it very much as I didn’t feel I was getting a lot of out of it for my future. My Mum suggested I get in touch with Blythe House, so I contacted Julie, the hospice volunteer manager, and explained my circumstances. Julie said that Miriam and Angela would definitely be able to support me.

‘I have been shadowing Miriam and Angela with their work in the hospice including taking part in the fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness group. I have also headed out on home visits with the team. I have watched Angela give patients different exercises to support their fitness and strength, and Miriam has given advice and sourced equipment for patients who need extra support to get around their home more easily, for example stair lifts and hand rails.

‘Miriam and Angela also set me a task to create a physio and OT worksheet for them to utilise with patients. They gave me an example of what they were looking for, and I created an original document for Blythe House. They will now be able to use this to go through with patients to ensure they’re setting goals and reaching milestones during their physio and OT programmes.

‘It has been a great experience to see “behind the scenes” and provide a good insight into what I’ll be studying at university. It has been very eye-opening to see what goes on behind closed doors, and how Miriam and Angela are able to support patients who have a life-limiting illness. It has been an amazing opportunity to shadow someone in my chosen career, and to help people like my Dad to make their everyday lives better.’

Find out more about volunteering at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust to support your studies, or learn more about a career you might be interested in pursuing, email: volunteering@blythehouse.co.uk or visit our volunteer webpage.

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