Hospice is 'the happiest place I've ever worked'

Judith Harris-Deans from Exeter has been volunteering for local charity Hospiscare for the last six years, and describes it as “the happiest place I’ve ever worked.”
Since 2012 Judith has been popping into Searle House in Exeter to support the fundraising team with donations administration. 

Judith described her typical day: “I usually come in once a week, but it’s a flexible arrangement so if I can’t make it in it’s never a problem, I just let them know beforehand.  Likewise, sometimes I will come in much more often during busy times, like Christmas, when the team needs extra help.  So it fits in perfectly with my own schedule and there is no stress involved.  My desk is in the fundraising office and it is the happiest place I’ve ever worked.  I think that’s down to all the other people who work there.

“I wanted to give back to my community and volunteer for a local charity. I get a sense of pride being able to help people at a moment in their lives when they need it the most.  Although I don’t have direct contact with patients and families, I know that by giving my time I am contributing to the charity and I feel so valued by the team. 

“A relative of mine died at Hospiscare and when you have had that experience you realise what a special place it is.  The feeling I had back then when I used to visit Searle House was a sense of calm serenity.  It feels personal and nothing is too much trouble.  You become part of the Hospiscare family and that’s still how I feel now - surrounded by people who are there for you if you need any kind of help or support with anything that’s going on in your life.

“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering but hadn’t got round to it I would encourage you to get in touch with Hospiscare.  It is a wonderful place to volunteer and there are so many different roles you can get involved with.  My advice would be you have nothing to lose so give it a go - you’ll love it and they always need volunteers so you’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities at Hospiscare, please call Vicky or Bob on 01392 688005 or email volunteering@hospiscare.co.uk.

Hospiscare is a local adult hospice charity, providing free, high quality care and support to people with any type of terminal illness, and those close to them, in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.  A gift to Hospiscare in your Will helps to ensure the future of the charity in Devon for generations to come.