Hospice searching for volunteers

It is a labour of love but also a lasting pledge to keep a promise made to her mum Tess Smyth when she spent her final weeks at the Carlton Place facility five years ago.

"Mum wanted us to give something back," remembers Tracy. "It made a huge difference to my whole family when she was at the hospice."

The 42-year-old mum of two from Strathaven has worked in hospitals for nearly 20 years and originally intended to volunteer to work with patients.

"I think some of the ladies were on holiday from the cafe and I was asked if I would help out. I'm still there. I'm happy to do anything at all. I love it," she smiles.

"I come in on a Thursday morning and once the new hospice opens and my youngest is at secondary school I might have more time to spare."

Since they lost Tess, Tracy's family have all worked tirelessly to fundraise for the Brick by Brick Appeal, backed by the Evening Times, to build a new hospice on a site at Bellahouston Park. So far they have brought in an amazing £32,000 from running half marathons, organising dances and taking part in the annual Clyde Stride event.

"My dad James comes to the hospice on a Thursday for lunch. It gives him great comfort, everyone is so friendly and welcoming, it really makes him feel at home," says Tracy.

"I think nowadays most people have someone who has been in a hospice or been associated with it. It gives you great satisfaction; you feel you're giving a little bit back."

Tracy is one of 570 volunteers who are the vital cogs in the wheels that keep the hospice running. Some work in the 16 shops scattered across Glasgow, some are involved in the care of patients, others offer much-needed help to families.

At two recruitment evenings on April 14 and May 5, anyone interested in lending a hand can find out more.

Whatever life skills you have, the hospice needs you, that's the message from volunteer co-ordinator Catriona MacLeod.

"We want as many volunteers as possible," she says. "Some help out for just a couple of hours a week, others make a bigger commitment.

"They do a whole variety of things either in the hospice, where we have volunteers in the cafe, at reception, in day services or offering complementary therapies.

"We have artists who volunteer, and people who help out with the Butterfly Project for family services.

"Some people are happy to go out into the community or to events or come into the office and do admin work."

Many of the volunteers who work with patients have medical experience or have worked in the care industry.

Others, such as therapists and hairdressers, give us a few hours to improve the general wellbeing of those staying at the hospice.

"It is a great experience for the volunteers," says Catriona. "We couldn't survive without them. The services we provide thanks to them are massive.

"Sometimes families or patients find it easier to talk to a volunteer. In the cafe in particular you find patients may wander in. You can tell by the conversations that it takes the pressure off for them.

"People don't feel as anxious and we couldn't provide the level of service without our volunteers."

Training courses are on offer for some of the roles, including bereavement services. New positions are being created with the opening of a second reception area at the back of the hospice to deal with outpatients and meet and greet visitors.

"We are looking for people of all ages. Our older volunteers bring us great experience and the younger ones can learn skills for a new career," says Catriona.

"What we look for in people is compassion, a good sense of humour, a caring manner and those who are happy talking to others."

At the drop-in recruitment evenings hospice staff from different departments will be available to answer questions.

If you're interested, come along, says Catriona.

Volunteer recruitment evenings take place on April 14 and May 5, from 4-7pm, at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, Carlton Place, Glasgow. For details, call Catriona on 0141 429 5599 or email catriona.macleod@ppwh.org.uk.