Julie's Story - My Journey to Becoming a Volunteer

Today we hear from Julie who requested to remain anonymous. Following her experience with the hospice, she describes her journey to OrangeLine volunteer and how important it's become in her life.  

"My first contact with the hospice was when my husband was assessed by a clinical palliative care nurse and it was agreed that we would have regular telephone contact unless his situation changed.

During his last days, I had more vital contact with the team and after he died I received a letter from Saint Francis Hospice with some leaflets enclosed.

I sent back a form requesting bereavement therapy as I was not doing too well.  Along with my grief I was suffering from anxiety and found it hard to even go out.

Subsequently I had a telephone assessment from Tricia, Family Support at the hospice.  As there was a waiting time for therapy she suggested I have calls from OrangeLine.  She explained they offer a friendly contact to listen and are always there for you so I agreed to having them.  I wasn't too sure at first but Helen from OrangeLine called me and it was good just to be able to talk to someone.  

She was wonderful and contacted me every week until my first therapy session started.

On 3rd July 2023 I had my first therapy session with Peter from the hospice.   I had telephone consultations because of my condition but again, he phoned me every week without fail.  

Saying thank you doesn't seem enough but thanks to him I am able to be here and I owe him so much.

As my therapy came to an end, I felt I was existing but not living. Peter and I discussed this and the subject of volunteering came up.

It seemed perfect for me because all of the help I received made me feel so humble and I truly wanted to give something back.  After some thought and with Peter's help, I eventually met Karen from OrangeLine who really understood my situation.  

I now make calls to others as they were once made to me.  To others who need to hear a friendly voice and have someone who will just listen to them.

But...volunteering has helped me in another way.  It has given me the courage to go out more and reduced my anxiety.  I am able to do so many things that I was unable to do before.

The hospice has become a reassuring place for me and I have made so many dear friends.  OrangeLine consists of a wonderful group of people and I am very indebted to them, both as a client and as a volunteer.

There are so many pathways to volunteering at the hospice that you will always find something to suit you."