Please note, this is an archive news article from Peace Hospice Care.
Tuesday, 06 September 2022
John joint us in 2018 and has touched the lives of countless people through his roles as a Compassionate Neighbour, Inpatient Unit volunteer and Ambassador.
What does your role involve?
“I am a Compassionate Neighbour for Malcolm. I accompany him to the park for a walk, which enables his wife to have an hour for herself where she knows Malcolm is being looked after. For him, I think the support is very beneficial. We often go out for a nice walk by the canal or in the park, which is very calming.”
What difference do you feel that you have made?
At first, I didn’t realise how important it truly was. the feedback I received was so positive, and then you see you are actually enhancing someone’s life. A community member I was matched with told me: “John, every week you phoned me and asked me how I am doing and it made me feel important, like somebody loves me and cares for me”.
How has it impacted you?
“Volunteering has been life-changing for me. Before I found the Hospice, I was lost. I had recently retired and was new to the area. I felt very lonely as I didn’t know a single soul. Being a volunteer made my life complete. I have learned skills, met new people and I feel a great sense of wellbeing.”