Emiko Saito - Volunteer Therapies Assistant

Emiko Saito has been volunteering with the Therapies Team at Saint Francis Hospice since she graduated from university last summer. Here Emiko shares what she has learned from her experience and how it is shaping her future career as a physiotherapist.

I graduated from Swansea University last summer with a degree in Maths and Sports science. I applied to do a Masters in physiotherapy and to get some experience, my dad, who is a volunteer with the Therapies Team at Saint Francis Hospice, suggested I become a volunteer too.

At first, I found it very emotional as it was a new environment and I had never been around people who were seriously unwell.  

The support I’ve received from everyone has been fantastic and it didn’t take long to understand why my dad loves it so much here.

I volunteer on a Thursday, and I help with the group sessions in Pemberton Place which are amazing. I love talking and getting to know people and it is not always health related. I also support the team when they work with people on the ward too. Feeling that I am making a difference to people’s lives is so rewarding.

I will do a Masters in Physiotherapy, but I know the things I have learned at the hospice, will not be taught at university.  

The hospice has taught me the breath of holistic care and the wide range of support available to people. This has given me a different perspective on what my future career could look like.

I've learned so much from the people under the care of the hospice, as well as from the team - they have so much wisdom. 

Working alongside the complementary therapists who are multi skilled, has made me think about doing reiki after completing my physiotherapy course.

One of my biggest takeaways is the interpersonal skills I have gained from every person I have worked with. I have seen how comfortable they are interacting with people, and I have followed their lead. I still have a long way to go but I have grown in confidence over the past 10 months.