Student Volunteers Support Hospice Care

12th-18th February is Student Volunteering Week, and local Hospice Care charity Phyllis Tuckwell, which supports those living with an advanced or terminal illness, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its student volunteers, who help on the In-Patient Unit and in its local shops.

Jasmine is one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s student volunteers. She is currently studying for her A-levels and is hoping to take biomedical sciences at university.

“I chose to volunteer at Phyllis Tuckwell because it would give me a really good insight into healthcare environments, how they operate and how they’re managed, but also because a personal family friend was supported by them,” she said.

If you’re a student and are thinking of a career in healthcare, as a doctor, nurse, therapist or clinical administrator for example, volunteering for Phyllis Tuckwell is a great way to learn more about the sector.

“During the day I do a number of different jobs, mainly supporting Kerry our clinical administrator, as well as the nursing staff, seeing what they do and if I can help them in any way.”

Phyllis Tuckwell also has 18 shops across its catchment area of West Surrey and North-East Hampshire, and is always looking for volunteers to help in them, sorting and pricing stock, talking to customers and manning the tills. It’s perfect for students who like the idea of supporting a local charity, and volunteering looks great on your CV or UCAS form, especially if it’s relevant to the course that you’re applying for. It’s also a good way to meet others and learn more about the world outside school and college.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jasmine and all of the students who volunteer for us,” said Julia Morpeth, voluntary services manager at Phyllis Tuckwell. “They bring so much enthusiasm and dedication to our charity, and are a delight to work with. It’s wonderful to see their ambition and plans for the future and to feel that we are helping them with that, just as they are helping us to continue providing our care.”

“If, like me, you want to take up a student voluntary role, then join Phyllis Tuckwell, it’s been wonderful!” said Jasmine.

If you’d like to find out more about student volunteering roles at Phyllis Tuckwell, you can call its Voluntary Services team on 01252 729400 or email voluntary.services@pth.org.uk