Gillian's Volunteering Story

My name is Gillian and I have volunteered at Dove House for almost six years. I give my time to the onsite charity shop which is next to the hospice on Chamberlain Road.

When I retired I wanted to do something useful with my time. I had worked in the NHS and education and I really missed being part of a team once I had finished working.

I work two afternoons in the shop a week. I spend time on the shop floor serving customers, operating, using the till, putting new stock out, and pricing up items.

The highlight of volunteering is interacting with the customers. We have regulars that come into the shop and you get to know them quite well. It is lovely to see them. But being part of the staff team who are great gives me the most pleasure.

Volunteering is rewarding, we all know people who have been connected to the hospice, both in our personal lives and from customers who come in so we know how vital Dove House is. A lady came into the shop in a distressed state as she had broken a necklace that she wanted to attach to her mum’s Memory Leaf in the Memory Garden. We repaired the necklace and I accompanied her to the garden as she was quite emotional as you can imagine. She was extremely grateful and I am so pleased I was there to help.

I have built some lovely friendships. It is always lovely to extend your circle. I think working in the shop helps use your brain and it certainly does keep you busy.

A friend of mine's daughter in law died of cancer, leaving two young children and the hospice has helped the family enormously. I would say to anyone thinking of volunteering please do, it helps so many families, families like my friends.

If you're inspired by Gillian's volunteering story and are interested in volunteering for Dove House then please visit:

Dove House Volunteering