Julie Forrest started working at Blythe House Hospicecare as a fundraiser in 2017, and since then has established the hospice’s award-winning Community Volunteer programme; coordinating kind-hearted volunteers to provide support and carer respite to patients and families across the High Peak and beyond.
Julie, who originally hails from Aberdeen, has lived in Chapel-en-le-Frith for 15 years with her family. Here, she explains more about her background, and her current role here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust:
‘I worked in sales and marketing for 10 years, and then as a childminder locally for nine years before working at Blythe House. I loved both roles, and childminding meant I was able to meet new people when we moved here, whilst spending time with my own children when they were little. My roles here at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust have allowed me to mix the caring aspect from my childminding days with my business experience as well.
‘I knew friends and local families who had benefitted from the hospice’s services, so when a friend spotted the fundraising role, I was really keen to get involved. My dad died of bowel cancer in 2013 and it really made me appreciate the need for good quality end of life care and support, fuelling my passion to help others in a similar situation.
‘Here at the hospice, I absolutely love working with people and I have met some of the most wonderful people in my role! The staff, volunteers, patients and carers all make my job worthwhile and a pleasure to do. To reach out and offer support to patients, carers and families when they need it most is such a privilege. We have an incredible team of volunteers who constantly surprise us with the talents and skills they have to support our services, and also to generate much-needed income. We simply wouldn’t be where we are without our team of volunteers and it is an honour to support and manage the team.
‘There are so many favourite moments that I’ve had during my time here. One of the biggest achievements and proudest moments would be mobilising our team of volunteers to support the community during the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2020 and 2021. It was a frightening time for many, and to be able to turn that in to a positive experience for those who were shielding, anxious, lonely or vulnerable (regardless of whether they met our usual hospice patient criteria at that time), and for volunteers who wanted to help; felt really important. We continue to support our patients, carers and families at home, and with services at the Community Hub – I feel very lucky to be part of that.
‘The volunteer team (Lisa Youd, Mandy Baldwin, and myself), are always striving to do the best we possibly can for volunteer experience and patient services. As part of this, we will work closely with our team of nearly 300 volunteers to make sure they get the most out of their roles, and also tap in to their unique skills and experiences. We want this to be a rewarding role for everyone involved as every bit of support links together to complete the jigsaw.
‘We will continue to support all of our income generating staff and volunteers in their roles enabling us to bring in the necessary funds to enhance and develop patient services. We also work closely with the clinical team to see how we can provide the best possible services both here at the Community Hub, and across our local communities, whilst giving the best possible care. I was very inspired after visiting some other hospices earlier this year, and as such we hope to introduce some new groups and activities in the next few months… watch this space!
‘On a personal note, I absolutely loved (although I was terrified) doing the fundraising abseil some years ago, running the Chatsworth 10k, and setting my own personal running challenges in 2021 to raise money for the hospice. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and travelling when we can. I also love walking, and running in and around the beautiful area we live in – if you see me, please do give me a wave!’
Find out more about volunteering opportunities at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust.
