Marlets says ‘thank you’ to over 500 volunteers by highlighting the essential contribution they make to the care and support that it is able to give local people and their families as part of National Volunteers’ Week from June 1-7.
THE National Week celebrates the diversity of volunteering and the millions of people that make a difference to their communities by giving their time to support to charities – organisers estimate that the value of volunteers helping UK charities is £22.6bn. Volunteering is also shown to be rewarding for volunteers themselves who can learn new skills and gain confidence.
Imelda Glackin, CEO of Martlets explains: “At Martlets our volunteers are the absolute backbone of everything we do, and we are so grateful for their support. We have numerous roles that suit all kinds of people who have various skills, life experiences and knowledge. We are so pleased that our volunteers say how rewarding the experience is for them too. Friendships are often made and it’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out.
“Some of our volunteers might be helping in our charity shops, at our warehouse, enthusiastically fundraising, supporting patients and their families in their own homes or at the hospice itself. They could also be providing counselling and bereavement care or giving complementary therapies.
“All our volunteers play an essential part in the hospice care that we provide to patients and their families. We could not do what we do without their fantastic enthusiasm, commitment and contribution.”
Martlets welcomes everyone from all ages (over 16), backgrounds and experience as there are so many different roles available to volunteer. Volunteering at Martlets is particularly flexible, whether people are able to offer a few hours once in a while or a regular weekly shift – anyone who becomes part of Team Martlets plays an important role in helping to keeping the charity running smoothly.
Volunteer Barry Cole has been volunteering with Martlets since 2013. He is the hospice’s coin and scrap metal expert, sorting the change that no-one else wants. So far, his efforts have raised over £18,000.
Barry said: “I enjoy volunteering, it’s so rewarding. I had retired from work in 2012 and decided to volunteer for the hospice after coming along to a volunteer open day. Initially I helped out in the pound shop and with the online sales, but one day I was asked to look at some coins with a view to selling them on eBay and it all started from there.
“The team here are always thanking me for my efforts and people are genuinely pleased at the amount that I’ve raised; it’s nice to be appreciated. It is quite a time-consuming task, but Martlets is such a worthwhile local charity to be fundraising for.”
For anyone interested in volunteering their help – contact the hospice’s People Services Team on 01273 718788 or email: peopleservices@martlets.org.uk