Georgina’s story

Supporting the therapies team, Georgina is a volunteer in our gardening group, helping patients with relaxed, seasonal gardening activities to improve their wellbeing and spend some time in nature. She has been volunteering with Rennie Grove Peace since September 2022. Here she shares more about her role and what volunteering means to her:

“I decided to volunteer for Rennie Grove Peace because I had a friend who used their services and I had family members who had suffered with cancer. I wanted to help and support others as I was aware of how difficult it can be for people managing a life-limiting illness.

“I was aware of Rennie Grove Peace before this, but until I started volunteering, I didn’t appreciate the full range of services they offer and how early they provide support in a patient’s journey, particularly in terms of wellbeing.

“I support the gardening group, which involves helping patients to do seasonal gardening activities. In a typical session, there’s a lot of chatting and socialising – the groups aren’t heavily structured, so we can be flexible to patients’ interests and what’s appropriate for them, as well as seasonal changes.

“For me personally, it was a great opportunity to get back to the workplace after taking time off after having children. I started volunteering in a different role initially, I was a Complementary Therapy laundry volunteer, and soon after, I was approached to join the gardening club as I had a background in floristry and had worked in adult education. The gardening group role seemed a perfect fit for me.

“I really enjoy volunteering in the gardening group. I love to chat and meet new people and find out about their life, backgrounds and interests. It’s such a positive experience getting to know the patients – it really brightens my day. It feels like I’m really making a difference – when I see patients returning and thoroughly enjoying their time, it’s nice to know that we’ve been able to help them take their mind off their illness while they’re here.

“For this volunteer role, I think you need to have an openness to meet new people, and a flexible mindset. It helps to have a basic knowledge and interest in gardening, but you don’t have to be an expert – if I don’t know the answer to a question about gardening, we can look it up and learn together.

“The atmosphere is very laid-back and flexible. Whether you know nothing or know lots about gardening, it doesn’t matter – you only need a willingness to have a go. The Wellbeing team are part of the group and are on hand if ever they’re needed; they’re a very supportive team and I feel that they really appreciate the volunteers.

“It’s so rewarding, and Rennie Grove Peace is so supportive. If you’re thinking of volunteering, there is nothing to be worried about, just give it a go! I always leave with a smile on my face.”