Hospice volunteer prepares to run in aid of local hospice

A hospice volunteer will be joined by two of her friends as they run around the streets of Newcastle on Sunday 13 September to help support two Cumbrian charities.

This year’s Great North Run will be special for volunteer Jennifer Bell who, along with Tracey Lazonby and Sandra Gowling is running in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and the Great North Air Ambulance. Jennifer is hoping to raise money towards the upgrading of the Hospice’s patient salon, where she is a volunteer hair dresser.

Jennifer explained, “I have been volunteering as a hairdresser at the Hospice for about a year and a half. I was doing a college course and they challenged students to commit time to supporting local organisations and Eden Valley Hospice seemed a perfect place to help out.

“We have all watched the Great North Run for many years but this year decided it was our turn to run it and raise some funds for charity.”

Tracey, Jennifer and Sandra will be joined on the start line by thousands of runners each with their own memory, reason and purpose for taking part in the event. Whether it is setting a personal best time or raising money in aid of charity, the 13.1 mile challenge will provide everybody with memories which will last a life time.

Along with purchasing new equipment for the salon, the money raised by Jennifer and Tracey in aid of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice will help the local charity provide care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ family, friends and carers. If you would like to sponsor Jennifer or Tracey and she undertakes the half marathon challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/JenniferBell1/ or www.justgiving.com/Tracy-Lazonby/

Jennifer added, “I am looking forward to finishing the Great North Run but more importantly raising fund so that the patients at the Hospice can use the facilities for years to come. The patients have been my inspiration and that we will keep me going on the day I’m sure.”

If you would like to undertake your own 13.1 mile challenge in aid of the local charity, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are currently encouraging fundraisers to sign up for the Great North Run and the Great Cumbrian Run this September and October. For more information please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/Support-Us

Local charity says thank you to colourful volunteers

As part of National Volunteers Week a local hospice is thanking more than 15 National Citizen Service (NCS) graduates who helped to bring a blast of colour at two fundraising events.

During May a group of NCS Graduates from throughout Cumbria helped to create a rainbow of colour at the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice’s Colour Run events in Carlisle and Kendal.

NCS Graduates spend time making a difference in their local community while building personal skills which can be highlighted on their CV’s.

Jack Todd, NCS Graduate Engagement Assistant, said “NCS Graduates from Cumbria came together and decided to support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw at the Colour Runs in May. They did this because it is a great way to support a wonderful local charity, which has an impact on so many local Cumbrian’s, in a fun and engaging way.

“NCS is a right of passage for young people. It’s great to see examples of young people continuing the NCS journey and being an active, supportive members of society.”

Emma Marshall, Hospice Fundraiser, added, “We would like to thank all of the Inspira Graduates for their fantastic enthusiasm and support at both the Carlisle and Kendal Colour Run events. We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who supported our Colour Run events in May, without the generosity of all the volunteers at both events we would have been unable to create the kaleidoscope of colour which was enjoyed by all of the fundraisers.”

Supporting Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw fundraising events is just one way in which the local community are able to help the Hospice by volunteering. From greeting families and visitors at the Hospice reception to helping to maintain the beautiful gardens, there is a volunteering role for everybody.

Throughout National Volunteers Week, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, are encouraging the local community to find out how they can help to make a difference at the Hospice by volunteering. Whether people would like to assist the nurses on the Adult Unit or use their skills to help the local charity in a range of departments, there is a role for everybody.

If you, your place of work or community group would like to donate your time, skills and experience to help Eden Valley Hospice please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

Volunteers help to make a difference #Volunteersweek

Every day members of the local community help to make a huge difference to the care provided at a local hospice by volunteering their time, skills and experiences in a variety of different ways.

During National Volunteers Week, Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are celebrating the wonderful passion, enthusiasm and dedication of their volunteers. Throughout the week the local charity is encouraging the local community and businesses to discover more about the range of volunteering roles available.

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, said “Volunteers are an essential part of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw and without the continued support of the volunteers the Hospice would not be the wonderful place it is today.”

Volunteering at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, for only a few of hours a week, can provide people with the opportunity to meet new people and support the local hospice in a variety of different ways. From welcoming families and visitors at the Hospice to talking to patients over a cup of tea in the Day Hospice, everybody can help to make a huge difference.

Rosemary Armstrong, Volunteer Receptionist, explained “The ‘job satisfaction’ is immense. I enjoy greeting and meeting people, visitors, families and other relatives and being able to make each person feel welcomed and comfortable.

“I enjoy occasionally being the ‘listening ear’ and seeing the surprise on people’s faces when they are told ‘yes, it’s okay to bring flowers and companion pets to visit’ and receiving the comments of gratitude for the service provided and the high regard for Eden Valley Hospice’s nursing and care staff.”

Throughout National Volunteers Week, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, are encouraging the local community to find out how they can help to make a difference at the Hospice by volunteering. Whether people would like to assist the nurses on the Adult Unit or use their skills to help the local charity in other departments, there is a role for everybody.

Steve concluded, “Volunteering can involve a variety of different things and we have a wide range of opportunities available. We rely heavily on the support of people in local communities and would love to hear from you if you want to help in any way. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, give something back and have fun.”

If you, your place of work or community group would like to donate your time, skills and experience to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visitwww.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

Volunteers brighten up Hospice gardens

Over two days in August 13 volunteers from the Cumberland Building Society carried out a range of maintenance tasks in a local hospice’s gardens.

 

On Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August members of staff undertook a variety of duties in the gardens at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The group of volunteers enjoyed the wonderful sunshine as they sanded down, painted and stained 17 benches situated around the Hospice.

 

Kate Finnerty, Senior Personal and Training Assistant at the Cumberland Building Society said “The Cumberland actively promotes its staff taking part in charity work. Each member of staff is allowed one paid day per year to volunteer their time and we have a history of working with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw we were keen to help in any way we could.

 

“It was hard work but very rewarding to see the finished result at the end of the two days. It’s a great way to support a local charity as well as team building for us. We really loved it and the Hospice made us feel so welcome.”

 

During the year a host of people, community groups and businesses from throughout Cumbria donate their time to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice in a variety of different ways. From helping the volunteers and staff to maintain the gardens to collecting donations for the local community, people are able to help make a huge difference to the lives of adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

 

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, said “Corporate and community volunteering projects just like this are a fantastic way for groups and business to come into the Hospice and make a real difference. As well as being a great team building exercise these projects enable us to work alongside other organisations and raise awareness about the Hospice in a different kind of way.

 

“We always welcome people getting in touch and offer a variety of different activities that you can do, such as helping in our charity shops, fundraising and helping in and around the grounds in the Hospice.”

 

If you or your businesses would like to make a huge difference to Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by volunteering your time, skills and experiences by volunteering please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

 

Pictures: Please find attached two pictures of the Cumberland Building Society staff volunteering at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

 

Volunteers help to make a difference #volunteersweek

Every day members of the local community help to make a huge difference to the care provided at a local hospice by volunteering their time, skills and experiences in a variety of different ways.

 

During National Volunteers Week, Sunday 1 June to Saturday 8 June, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice are celebrating the wonderful passion, enthusiasm and dedication of their volunteers. From maintaining the Hospice grounds to supporting the nurses and patients in Day Hospice, every volunteer helps to make a difference.

 

Eden Valley Hospice gardening volunteer Nigel, from Culgaith near Penrith, explains “I help out with all sorts of gardening work around the Hospice. This will be very varied depending on the time of year. It could involve mowing the lawns, planting, weeding, digging over beds, tending to the vegetable patch or cleaning leaves in the autumn. You name it and we’ll do it! I work with the other gardening volunteers and Rob the maintenance manager at the Hospice overseas our work.

 

“I enjoy working as a team member or doing something which hopefully can bring joy to those in need. If those staying at the Hospice or attending Day Hospice can enjoy the environment of the place then that makes me happy. That also goes for visitors and staff. This might sound like a cliché, but when I retired I wanted to give a little back and help others less fortunate than myself.”

 

Throughout National Volunteers Week, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw are encouraging the local community to find out how they could volunteer and help to make a difference at Hospice. Whether people would like to assist the nurses on the Adult Unit or use their skills to help the Hospice there is a role for everybody.

 

Many local businesses also donate their time and skills to the Hospice in a variety of different ways. From assisting the current volunteers in one of the Eden Valley Hospice shops to brining their family and friends along and helping to maintain the beautiful grounds, everybody can help to make a difference.

 

Nigel continued “I used to come to the Hospice once a year when I was still working for the County Council. We came as a ‘day out’ from the office to help a very worthwhile organisation. Working in a team of ‘many’ ensured that this resulted in a lot of work and tasks being achieved which was very satisfying. I found the staff to be very friendly so when I retired 3 years ago I wanted to continue to help as a regular volunteer.

 

“I would say that if you have the time then doing something that helps others less fortunate can give you a positive feeling about things and therefore help you to feel that you are doing something worthwhile. Also if retired I think people need to have positive things to do and also challenges to show we can use skills we have developed over the years and still contribute to the wider society.”

 

If you, your place of work or community group would like to donate their time, skills and experiences to help make Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, the beautiful place it is today please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospcie.org.uk/volunteering

Hospice volunteer to take on fundraising challenges

This summer a volunteer at a local hospice will be undertaking two fundraising challenges to support the care and activities provided by Eden Valley Hospice.

 

Suzanne Forster, from Carlisle, has volunteered her time and skills with Eden Valley Hospice for over a year. Unlike many of the volunteers at the Hospice, Suzanne volunteers from her own home as she helps with the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Twitter pages.

 

Suzanne explains, “Everyone in the local area knows about the Hospice but it’s only when you visit a relative there that is comes home to you how important it is to families. My lovely auntie spent her last days here and the whole family were supported by the wonderful caring staff and calm atmosphere of the Hospice, it just made it all that bit easier. As a result of this experience the Hospice has become our favourite charity, and we all do our little bit when we can.

 

“I help the marketing department with the Twitter pages – it’s a very flexible role which allows me to work remotely at home or on the move, at any time of the day or night. I try and spend a few minutes each day communicating information on Twitter about events and fundraising, and other news about the Hospice.”

 

During National Volunteers Week 2014, Sunday 1 June to Saturday 7 June, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice is encouraging the local community and businesses to help the Hospice in any way that they can. Eden Valley Hospice’s volunteers provide essential support to every department in the Hospice, from supporting the nurses in the Day Hospice to helping at fundraising events.

 

Suzanne continued “I would say that if you have ever thought about volunteering then it’s worth looking in to, there are many different roles so there’s probably something suitable even if it’s helping collecting donations or weeding the gardens.

 

“As for my own role it was something I suggested to the Hospice, it was a gap they’d not considered filling before. I just like to tweet! We have a lot more followers now and we can reach a big audience, especially when we get famous tweeters sharing the posts. The Hospice volunteer recruitment process helped me through the induction and training, and in return I got an official identity badge. I must admit I don’t always wear it when I tweet from home.”

 

During the summer, along with her volunteering role, Suzanne will be undertaking two fundraising events in aid of the Hospice. In June, along with her family and friends, Suzanne will join hundreds of local women at the Ultimate Pyjama Party. Whilst this July she will get into the saddle and take part in the annual Cycle the Solway event, organised by Scott Self Storage.

 

“I thought that since I’m encouraging others to take part then I should probably set an example and do something myself. There are some events such as the skydive or 3 peaks events aren’t for me but surely I can manage 25km on a bike for Cycle the Solway, time will tell.” Explained Suzanne

 

“I’ve had a bike for years but not really used it so I have dusted it off and now I try to go out every day or my legs will get too much of a shock come the event in July. As for the Ultimate Pyjama Party, I had previously taken part in the MidnightWalk for my 40^th birthday and enjoyed it a lot. The best part was the gathering and warm up beforehand and the event now has an emphasis on this part, and it starts earlier in the evening so we are not all wandering the streets in the dark.”

 

The Ultimate Pyjama Party is set to be a night to remember on Friday 27 June, with live music, great entertainment and lots of fundraising in aid of Eden Valley Hospice. The ladies only event will conclude in the 10km walk through Carlisle City Centre, which will see a sea of flashing bunny ears, comfy pyjamas and crazy onesies walking through the streets of Carlisle.

 

Suzanne continued, “I have signed up for the Ultimate Pyjama Party with 4 friends and family so it will be good to get together with them anyway. The added attraction obviously has to be the opportunity to show off my best fleecy PJ’s, although I’m not sure I could walk 10km in slippers.

 

“The year after we took part in the Midnight Walk for my birthday, we were used as cover girls for the promotional leaflet, it took a few moments to realise that everyone had got this version and it wasn’t personalised just for me. I had to laugh at that one.”

 

Meanwhile, Cycle the Solway will provide Suzanne with a different challenge as she completes the 25km route around the Solway Coast on Sunday 13 July. The annual event provides cyclists of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to get into the saddle and support the Hospice by completing either the 100km, 50km, or 25km routes.

 

Suzanne concluded, “For Cycle the Solway I’m looking forward to the weather being overcast but dry, not hot sun please! I usually cycle alone so I think it will be interesting to see how it feels to cycle in an event, I think it will be much easier to be swept along, but this only works if I’m not last!”

 

Every day the kindness, generosity and support of the people from throughout Cumbria help to make Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice the beautiful place it is today. From donating their time and skills as a volunteer to participating in a fundraising event everybody can help to make a difference at the Hospice.

 

If you, your place of work or local community would like to help and support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by becoming a volunteer or signing up for a fundraising event please call 01228 810801 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk

 

Pictures: Suzanne Forster (centre) at the 2010 Eden Valley Hospice Midnight Walk.

 

Volunteers help to make a difference

Every day members of the local community help to make a huge difference to the care provided at a local hospice by volunteering their time, skills and experiences in a variety of different ways.

 

During National Volunteers Week, Sunday 1 June to Saturday 8 June, Eden Valley Hospice are celebrating the wonderful passion, enthusiasm and dedication of their volunteers. From supporting the nurses in the Adult In Patient Unit to greeting customers in one of the Hospice shops, every volunteer helps to make a difference.

 

Eden Valley Hospice Day Hospice volunteer, Julie said “I had been thinking about doing some volunteering work for a while and decided to contact the Hospice to see if there were any vacancies. I wanted to give some of my time to do something worthwhile.

 

“My time at the Hospice is very rewarding in many ways. I have made some wonderful friends and met some lovely people. Everyone is friendly, kind and helpful and it’s a special place to be a part of. The Day Hospice is such a happy place and people maybe wouldn’t expect that. It’s hard to put into words how much I get out of my time at the Hospice.”

 

Along with assisting the nurses and patients in the Day Hospice and Adult Unit many of the volunteers help and support the patients and their family in a range of different ways. By simply making everybody a cup of tea or maintaining the Hospice gardens for all of the families to enjoy and walk around, the volunteers support everybody.

 

Adult Unit volunteer, Judith from Skinburness, explains “I volunteer on the ward, seeing the patients in their rooms, chatting to them and taking the lunch orders or seeing if they or their visitors would like a fresh cup of tea of coffee. I make sure all of the flowers are watered and then proceed with the lunches and on the odd occasion help with feeding. I also help to train new volunteers for the role.

 

“I enjoy the feeling that I get from being a support to the nurses, the patients and their families. Sometimes I feel I gain more from it myself as I am so at ease and enjoy it so much.”

 

Throughout National Volunteers Week, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, are encouraging the local community to find out how they could volunteer and help to make a difference at the Hospice. Whether people would like to assist the nurses on the Adult Unit or use their skills to help the Hospice there is a role for everybody.

 

Julie, from Carlisle, continued “If anyone is thinking of being a volunteer they should get in touch with the Hospice as I’m so pleased I did. Never think you don’t have enough time as everyone has some time no matter how small and we all have different qualities to give. I feel it makes you a better person and you will really enjoy it. Everyone makes you feel very welcome and you will love it.”

 

Judith concluded, “If you have compassion for others don’t have any fear. It’s a wonderful, peaceful place and a happy and relaxing environment. You will be welcomed with open arms, just as I was.”

 

If you, your place of work or community group would like to donate your time, skills and experiences to help make Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw the beautiful place it is today please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

Premier Inn staff donates their time to local hospice

Over the last five month members of staff from the Premier Inn Central North in Carlisle have donated their time, skill and enthusiasm to help support Eden Valley Hospice in a variety of different ways.

 

Since December 2013 the Premier Inn employees have supported the local hospice in a variety of different ways. From assisting the team of volunteers in the Hospice’s Lonsdale Street shop to raising over £130 by selling Eden Valley Hospice Florida Holiday raffle tickets in Carlisle City Centre, the group of Premier Inn volunteers have helped to make a huge difference to the local hospice.

 

Sam Grieve, Premier Inn Operations Manager, explained “We wanted to do something for the local community. It’s been great to help Eden Valley Hospice over the past few months and we are looking forward to doing more in the future.”

 

Throughout the year a host of local community groups and businesses donate their time, skills and experience to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice in a variety of different ways. From helping the volunteers maintain the Hospice gardens to selling raffle tickets in the local community they all help to make a huge difference to the lives of local adults and children with life limiting illnesses.

 

“I was great to help in the shops, we all had a good laugh with the team and were amazed at the hard work of all the volunteers. It was also nice to do something completely different and physical in the Hospice grounds. It was great to feel as though we had achieved something and that would benefit the Hospice.” Concluded Sam.

 

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, said “It has been great working alongside the team from the Premier Inn Central North over the past number of months. It’s been a real success story to see them getting involved in a variety of different areas and they have helped the Hospice in a number of ways through raising money, supporting existing volunteers and brightening up our grounds. We look forward to working together in the future and as always we would welcome any other businesses or community groups to get in touch if they are interested in helping us.”

 

If you, your business or community group would like to make a huge difference to Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by donating your time, skills and experience by volunteering please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager on 01228 817658 or visit www.evhospice.org.uk/volunteering

 

Picture: Premier Inn Staff at the Hospice, left to right, Jon Madden, Hannah Rocke and Sam Grieve

Volunteers brighten up Children’s Hospice gardens

On a damp and dreary winter morning 11 volunteers from a Cumbrian branch of Mercedes Benz carried out a range of maintenance tasks in a Children’s Hospice’s gardens.

On Sunday 9 February members of staff and their families undertook a variety of duties in the gardens at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, formerly Eden House Children’s Hospice. Despite the terrible weather the group of volunteers from Mercedes Benz sanded down, oiled or painted a number of benches as well as weeding and tidying up the borders in the garden.

Barry Crooks, Dealer Principal said, “Jigsaw is a great well known local cause. We have supported the Children’s Hospice in the past and when the team were asked they decided that they wanted to help the Children’s Hospice again. It was great that they were able to allow the staff to bring their families and we all really enjoyed the day and we would be happy to return in the future when the weather improves.”

During the year a host of people, community groups and businesses from throughout Cumbria donate their time to help Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice in a variety of different ways. From helping the volunteers and staff to maintain the gardens to collecting donations for the local community, people are able to help make a huge difference to the lives of children and young adults with life limiting illnesses.

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, said “These community volunteering events allow us to work alongside local and national organisations and strengthen those relationships. The days themselves are a great way of team building and are hugely helpful to us as it allows us to support the existing volunteer gardeners and maintenance team by tackling any jobs that need to be done around the grounds.”

If you or your business would like to make a huge difference to Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice by donating your time, skills and experiences by volunteering please contact Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, on 01228 817658 or visit www.jigsawhospice.org.uk/volunteering

At the Hospice or at home volunteers can make a difference – @SRELTD #HospiceCareWeek

A local hospice is inviting people to find out how they can make a huge difference by donating their time, skills and knowledge either at home or at the Hospice.

During Hospice Care Week 2013, Monday 7 to Sunday 13 October, Eden Valley Hospice is encouraging the local community to find out how they can make a difference by donating their time and skills. Whether it is at home or at the Hospice, every day hundreds of volunteers make the local hospice the beautiful place it is today.

Steve Golding, Voluntary Services Manager, explains, “For a lot of people time can be the biggest issue, we all know how hectic life can be. But as a volunteer the level of flexibility means that there is a role to fit in with the busiest of diaries. There are also opportunities for people to volunteer their skills and time from home without having to come into the Hospice.”

Suzanne Burgess, owner of Solway Renewable Energy LTD, is one of a handful of volunteers who donate their expertise to Eden Valley Hospice from home. From assisting the marketing department to updating the Hospice Twitter page, every day they make a difference.

“I have been volunteering at Eden Valley Hospice for a few months now. It was Volunteers Week and I saw the call to action on Twitter so I emailed the Hospice and asked what I could do. I work and run my own company from home which can be isolated, so coming to the Hospice means that I can meet other people,” explained Suzanne.

Whatever skills, experiences and knowledge people have gained throughout their life Eden Valley Hospice can provide a volunteering role perfect for them. Not only will volunteering make a significant difference to the lives of local people with life limiting illnesses it can also provide company, new friends and a lot of enjoyment.

If you would like to make a difference this Hospice Care Week and become a volunteer at Eden Valley Hospice please contact Steve Golding on 01228 817658 or visit http://www.evhospice.org.uk/hcw13