Volunteer Services
Supporting patients in the comfort of their own homes with light tasks and companionship.
Community Volunteer Programme
The Community Volunteer programme is designed to enhance and expand the support provided to our community by the current services at Blythe House Hospice, especially for those patients wishing to be supported in their own home.
The service provides practical and emotional support in the homes of local patients who have life-limiting illnesses including cancer, COPD, heart failure and neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease.
After completing comprehensive training, our compassionate, DBS-checked community volunteers provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families. This can include carer breaks, companionship, short outings, and transport to and from essential appointments, as well as hospice-based appointments, groups and sessions. Volunteers may also be able to help with light household chores, shopping, dog walking and gardening – all handled with sensitivity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
This complimentary service also supports patients with everyday activities such as going shopping, attending appointments, or simply going out for a coffee, helping to bring a sense of normality at what can otherwise be a very difficult time. We know that a friendly chat or simply having someone who will listen can make all the difference, and our volunteers are here to offer that extra bit of care and support.
Our transport service supports people in the community who are living with a life-limiting illness and who may otherwise struggle to attend appointments or group sessions at Blythe House Hospice, and where possible, other essential appointments.
Please note that this service is provided by volunteers, using their own cars – meaning availability is limited. We recommend giving at least one week’s notice or as much notice as possible for the best chances of securing a journey. For safety and insurance reasons, we are unable to transport children who require a car seat, or anyone under the age of 18 unless accompanied by an adult. We are also unable to transport individuals who require manual handling assistance to get in and out of the vehicle.
For more information or to make a referral, call: 01298 816 990.
We will always do our very best to help and support you, however we must prioritise requests based on need. We kindly ask that you consider other travel options where available before requesting this service. Please see below some other services that may be able to help support patients, carers and families. We can assist you with your request, or you may wish to contact them directly:
- Connex, Buxton – 01298 23970; Also offer access to specialist wheelchair transport
- New Mills Volunteer Centre – 01663 744196
- The Bureau – Glossop – 01457 865722
- Bakewell & Eyam Community Transport – 01629 641920
As with all that we do, we aim to provide the very best service for our patients, families and carers, while also offering a positive and rewarding experience for our volunteers.
Christine and Pat’s story
Christine said: ‘It has been lovely to get out of the house; in the car or on foot. It feels like I’m on holiday and it takes my mind off everyday things. The times with Pat just bring a bit of normality, and they make me feel like I’m not ill.
‘I don’t know what I would’ve done without the hospice; all the team are like family and I am surrounded by good people. You can tell they’re doing their job because they want to, not because they have to. Everyone is so helpful, kind and caring. Without them, I would be stuck indoors on my own.’
Pat added: ‘Christine is a very lovely and positive lady, despite all the stresses she has to endure. I enjoy visiting her as I can really see the difference it makes. Supporting Christine has made me so much more aware of what it’s like for people who can’t leave their house on their own. Whenever we’ve been out and about in Chapel-en-le-Frith, she’s met people she’s not seen for a long time, and it’s good to see her chatting with people she’s met by chance. That’s just the sort of interaction the rest of us take for granted.’
Are you interested in becoming a Community Volunteer?
