Volunteering

St Columba's Hospice relies on the tireless efforts of some 500 volunteers whose contribution not only allows our clinical staff to further concentrate their efforts on caring, but also has a beneficial effect on our patients and their surroundings. We also have opportunities in our Fundraising and Finance team to raise vital funds for the Hospice.

Current volunteer opportunities

• Volunteer Drivers are required to help in our Day Hospice area.
• Morning vacancies currently available in our Morningside Road Bookshop - also, standby help would be welcome in both our Bookshop outlets.
• Volunteer Area Tin Collectors required across Edinburgh.

For further information on these and any other volunteer opportunities, please email Volunteer Services or call 0131 551 1381.

Why volunteer?

People have all sorts of different reasons for offering their services as a volunteer at St Columba's Hospice - and they all help in so many different ways. Here, some of our volunteers themselves explain what their service here means to them.

"I feel I am just a small cog in a large wheel which makes me feel as if I belong to a very big caring family. This is extended to all patients, staff and volunteers."
Cathleen, Admin Team

"I wanted to volunteer at the Hospice because my husband was a patient, I felt it was a very worthwhile thing to do. It also gives the nursing staff time to take care of the patient's needs."
Frances, Flower Team

What do volunteers do?

Each volunteer is assigned to a team to which their own skills are best suited. They are invited to commit themselves to a time slot within one of the 24 different volunteer teams, either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. The slot times vary from 1.5 hours to 3.25 hours. There is always a need for stand-by help, too. Our volunteers help in the following areas:

Reception

Our busy reception is manned by volunteers in the evenings and at weekends. There is also a volunteer on hand to assist our professional receptionist during weekday afternoons.

Coffee Rooms

Our two Coffee Rooms are open every day for staff and visitors - one from 9.30am until 4.00pm and the other from 9.30am until 8.30pm. Volunteers serve light snacks and beverages, as well as Trading Company and Day Hospice goods.

Wards

Our nursing staff work at maximum efficiency thanks in no small part to the assistance their receive from volunteers. Volunteers also help out in the Chaplaincy Team and with stores for our kitchen and Nursing Wing.

Drivers and Passenger Assistants

The journey to and from the Day Hospice can pose problems for people living with terminal illness. If you have a car, you could become one of our volunteer drivers and help our day patients travel between home and hospice. Patients come in for 10am and are returned home after 3pm. Alternatively, we also require drivers and Passenger Assistants for our Hospice based minibus at times.

Day Hospice

Day Hospice volunteers, who are selected after being in another team for at least six months, play an important role in providing companionship for patients and staff. They also assist with general duties and help the hairdressers whenever necessary.

Gardening

A team of dedicated gardeners maintain the beautiful flower beds and shrubberies throughout the grounds.

Flowers

Our flower team maintains all the floral displays throughout the Hospice. Indoor plants are cared for by a team of plant lovers.

Fundraising

The Fundraising department regularly need help during specific fundraising events, such as the Marathon and Burns Supper. We also need help to pick up and drop off collection tins in local shops and organisations, as well as help with administration work and various work parties.

What kind of training is provided?

Anyone volunteering to help can rest assured they will receive proper training for whatever task they wish to undertake. On duty training is provided and volunteers are offered appropriate courses, not only to raise their awareness of the work of the hospice but to increase their confidence and understanding.

Social gatherings and other events provide an opportunity to thank volunteers for their contribution of time and effort on behalf of the Hospice.