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Meadow House
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Volunteer with us

We are lucky to have a large group of volunteers who give their time to help the hospice. Volunteers are an integral part of the Meadow House family.

Get in touch

For further information, please contact:

Lynne May 
Voluntary Services Manager 
Tel: 020 8967 5040 
Email: lnwh-tr.meadowhouse@nhs.net

Dina, volunteer

"I have been working as a volunteer on the ward for the past 11 years and I absolutely love it. One might think that working in a hospice would be sad and upsetting and of course sometimes it is. I find it very rewarding. Firstly, helping patients, and secondly the camaraderie with the nurses who are so dedicated. It was lovely being able to talk to the patients and cheer them up if I could. I come home feeling that I have done something really worthwhile and I hope I had made a difference to someone's life!"

Pat, volunteer

"Having received amazing treatment for cancer, like many others, I had wanted to put something back and as I had also recently retired it was the perfect time to volunteer. I was extremely fortunate that another volunteer introduced me to Meadow House and since then I have never looked back. This is, without doubt, one of the most rewarding things I have ever done."

Many volunteers work regular shifts between 2 and 4 hours per week. This could be in the inpatient unit, Day Hospice, garden or helping with fundraising. We also have another team of volunteers working in the Bereavement service.

As a volunteer, you will work alongside our paid staff. Volunteers are an integral part of the Meadow House family. Your help ensures that patients and their families receive the best possible care and attention. Please note that volunteers are not involved with patients’ clinical care.

A range of duties for a volunteer could include:

  • chatting and spending time with patients

  • making teas and coffees for patients and relatives

  • serving lunch and snacks

  • flower arranging and plant care

  • being part of our volunteer gardening team

  • keeping the patient areas tidy and welcoming

  • washing and rolling bandages

  • offering specialist skills – for example, arts and crafts activities with patients

  • helping with the Bereavement service

  • admin work

Our volunteers have a wide range of skills acquired through everyday experiences and have good communication skills. They appreciate and respect confidentiality and are able to offer a sensitive response to patients and relatives.

We ask you to make a regular commitment to Meadow House Hospice. And ask for help at a minimum of 2 fundraising events a year. We encourage you to spend 6 months with us to make the most of the experience.

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Recruitment process

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and not have had a close bereavement within the last 2 years. 

We select volunteers following a robust recruitment process. This involves an interview, health check, the taking up of 2 references and a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We hold volunteer meetings every 6 to 8 weeks. Here, you will be able to express your views and contribute with new ideas and initiatives. We really appreciate the contributions by volunteers to Meadow House.

For further information on volunteering, please contact:

Lynne May 
Voluntary Services Manager 
Tel: 020 8967 5040 
Email: lnwh-tr.meadowhouse@nhs.net