St Catherine’s Hospice relies on a team of more than 900 volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to support the charity in a host of different ways.
Volunteers are at the heart of the hospice and play an essential role in enabling us to provide the services we do.
It’s important to stress that people can help St Catherine’s in all kinds of different ways, with a varying degree of commitment. Even just a little time can make a huge difference to the hospice and the people we care for.
You could bring your time and skills to a role each week at the hospice – perhaps working in the admin or trading offices, on reception or on the ward.
You could also work out at one of our shops, representing St Catherine’s in the community. In fact, nearly half of our volunteers work for our trading team in our 18 shops across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble, including our gift shop in the hospice reception.
But you could lend a hand on a more ad-hoc basis – perhaps co-ordinating the car park at one of our big events, manning a stall at one of our fundraisers or bringing your skills to a specific project or campaign.
We can promise a very rewarding role which makes a real difference to the lives of local people. Not only that, it’s also a very sociable activity which also offers valuable work experience for those beginning a new education or career path.
Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering with St Catherine’s.
If you have any queries please email volunteering@stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171
Join our team!
For information about our current vacancies click here, and to apply for a position either fill out our online form or download and print the document – both can be found below.
If you have any queries please email volunteerdepartment@stcatherines.co.uk or call 01772 629171.
Beryl first began volunteering for St Catherine’s before the hospice even opened its doors.
As a member of the Penwortham and Longton Support Group – one of several local fundraising groups across the area – she was one of many people who helped raise the funds needed to open the hospice in 1985. She served as secretary for 25 years helping to raise an incredible £210,000 before the group disbanded in 2006.
She now gives her time each work to work on hospice reception, where she’s a friendly, helpful and welcoming face for visitors.
Beryl says: “St Catherine’s provides an invaluable service – I am very proud to be part of it.”
Matthew, who is studying for a BTEC in business at Runshaw College, lends a hand each week at our Leyland charity shop where he serves customers, sorts stock and loads the furniture delivery van.
He said: “I started volunteering because I wanted to come out of my shy shell, extend my CV, and become more employable. I also really enjoy meeting new people and developing my personable skills and work experience.
“I find it easy fitting volunteering around college and everything else. Some of my friends have asked why I use my ‘time off’ to volunteer; I tell them I really enjoy it and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Randel started volunteering at The Mill after calling by for a coffee one day after visiting St Catherine’s to make a donation in memory of his wife Angela, who was cared for by our community Clinical Nurse Specialist Team.
Now he helps out twice a week serving customers, making coffee and clearing tables.
Randel, who is retired, said: “It’s nice knowing that I’m making a small contribution to the charity, and it’s become part of my weekly schedule.
“I look forward to coming to The Mill. I live alone so it’s good to get out of the house, and it’s a great feeling being able to help the hospice. It gives me a sense of purpose.”
