Sarah: Why I Chose to Volunteer

Sarah recently joined the catering team at Saint Francis Hospice after retiring from a 30-year career in the customer restaurant at IKEA Lakeside. Here, she shares why she chose to volunteer and what her experience has been like so far.

Before retiring, I worked in the customer restaurant at IKEA Lakeside for 30 years. I spent those years serving customers and working as part of a busy team and I really enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. Providing a good service was something I always took pride in.

After retiring, I wanted to stay active and continue using the skills and experience I'd gained over the years. That's what led me to volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice.

I felt that the experience I'd built up working with the public could be put to good use in a volunteer role. Although the hospice environment is very different from a busy retail setting, many of the same qualities still apply, being welcoming, supportive and helping people feel comfortable. Saint Francis Hospice has a wonderful reputation in the local community and volunteering here felt like a meaningful way to give something back.

As I'm still quite new to the catering team, every shift is an opportunity to learn something new. I enjoy meeting different people, supporting the team and contributing in a practical way. What I enjoy most is feeling that I'm helping others and being part of such a friendly and supportive environment.

Even though I've only recently started volunteering, the kindness and dedication of the staff and volunteers have already made a lasting impression on me. Everybody has been so welcoming, which has really helped me settle in.

One thing that has surprised me most is how warm and positive the atmosphere is. Before I started, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I've found a real sense of teamwork and community. It's been lovely to see how everyone works together to support individuals under our care, their loved ones and each other.

If you're thinking about volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice, I'd encourage you to give it a try. You don't need previous hospice experience and there are so many different ways to get involved. It's incredibly rewarding to know that even small contributions can make a real difference. I'm looking forward to creating many more positive memories as I continue in my role.