Volunteering - Frequently asked questions

How do volunteers contribute?

Volunteers are one of the hospices greatest resources and we are privileged to have over 280 on our register. In a typical month volunteers across the hospice alone put in excess of 3,400 hours of effort!

All the roles held by our volunteers are essential and meaningful, they work in teams in all areas throughout the hospice. These areas include the hospice shops and warehouse, reception, medical records, administration, finance, creative and support therapy, inpatients unit, bereavement support, driving, flower arranging, gardening and catering. They are also vital in offering support at fundraising events.

How much time am I expected to give?

Each role description details when we need volunteers. We work flexibly with volunteers to fit the times they are available with the needs of the service. Some volunteers give a few hours once a year to help with fundraising events such as the Christmas Fayre, bag packing and our Starlight Walk, others volunteer regularly each week in a specific role within a department. Volunteers need to be reliable, committed and dedicated to their role. This ensures that the highest levels of service and care are achieved.

We also take groups of volunteers who wish to volunteer together on a specific project such as helping with a fundraising event or doing gardening or maintenance projects.

View our list of upcoming events, many of which require the help of volunteers or look at the roles we have available for regular volunteering opportunities.

How old do you need to be?

We do not accept volunteers under the age of 18 with the exception of our hospice shops. 

Will I receive training?

New volunteers all receive information on commencement about the hospice and are invited to a welcome session to meet the team and find out about how we all work together. You will be allocated a mentor and additional training relevant to their specific role is provided. All volunteers also receive a workbook annually, detailing key information to keep themselves and others safe.

How do I apply?

• If you want to become involved as a volunteer at the hospice, you can look for a regular role or you can help periodically at fundraising events
• To help at fundraising events, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01254 965875 or email  info@­eastla­nc­shos­pice.­org.­uk
• If you want to volunteer regularly, look at the roles we have advertised in the vacancy section of our website. You will see a role summary and the commitment required and can also download a more detailed description of the role. If you have more questions, please make contcat directly.
• Income Generation and General Enquiries - info@eastlancshospice.org.uk
• Clinical enquiries - admin.eastlancashirehospice@nhs.net
• Download and complete an application form. Return your completed application to:

Recruitment
East Lancashire Hospice
Park Lee Road
Blackburn
BB2 3NY

or submit your form via email to recruitment@eastlancshospice.org.uk

If you prefer to be sent a hard copy application, please contact Recruitment on 01254 965830 or email recruitment@eastlancshospice.org.uk. Application forms are also available in our shops or warehouse.

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, we will log receipt of your application and pass it onto the relevant head of department who will then contact you to arrange a chat about the role. Once you and the head of department agree that you are suitable for the role we will carry out the relevant pre-volunteering checks which are:

• 2 references
• Copy and check identification documents
• Enhanced DBS check for those working regularly with patients

Once we have successfully completed the pre-volunteering checks, a start date will be arranged. If you have any queries or for further information please contact Recruitment on 01254 965830 or email recruitment@eastlancshospice.org.uk.