Amy's Volunteering Story

“The environment at the hospice is so warm and compassionate. You’re not just a volunteer, you’re a valued part of something meaningful.”

As a volunteer at Teesside Hospice, you’re truly making a difference. All of the time you can give is vital in delivering our services, and meeting our vision and mission. One of our wonderful volunteers, Amy, worked across many areas of the hospice, gaining skills which she believes have been vital in helping her achieve a role in the NHS.

“Volunteering at Teesside Hospice has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I began my journey as an admin volunteer in the People team, where I was welcomed with open arms and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The team was incredibly supportive, helping me gain a deeper understanding of healthcare administration and providing me with valuable experience that aligned with my career aspirations.

What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting while being part of a team that truly cares. The environment at the hospice is so warm and compassionate. You’re not just a volunteer, you’re a valued part of something meaningful.

Later, I had the chance to volunteer at the Lymphoedema Clinic as a receptionist/admin. This hands-on experience gave me the confidence and practical skills I needed, from managing appointments to interacting with patients. It was such a fulfilling role, and it played a key part in preparing me for my next step.

Volunteering at Teesside Hospice has been a key part of my personal and professional development. It provided me with hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment, which helped me build a strong foundation for my current role in the NHS.

Working with the People team gave me an insight into administrative processes and the importance of confidentiality, organisation, and communication in a professional setting. I became more confident handling data, using systems, and understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of an admin role in healthcare.

Later, when I moved into the receptionist/admin volunteer role at the Lymphoedema Clinic, I developed even more practical skills from managing appointments and interacting with patients to staying calm under pressure and prioritising tasks efficiently.

When it came to applying for paid roles, my experience at Teesside Hospice really made a difference. I was able to draw directly from what I had learned in my volunteer roles during interviews. I gave real examples of how I had handled admin tasks, communicated with both staff and patients, and worked as part of a supportive team. I genuinely believe that having those experiences to reflect on gave me an edge and helped me secure my job in the NHS.

For anyone considering volunteering with Teesside Hospice, I would honestly say go for it! You’re not just giving your time, you’re gaining so much in return.

The hospice has such a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. From day one, I felt valued and part of the team. Whether you’re looking to build skills for your career, give back to the community, or just do something meaningful, there’s a place for you here.

For me, volunteering was a stepping stone into healthcare administration, and it gave me the confidence, experience, and support I needed to move into a paid NHS role. But beyond the career benefits, it’s just a genuinely special place to be where everyone is working together to make a difference in people’s lives.

So if you’re thinking about it, I’d say don’t hesitate. You’ll grow, you’ll learn, and you’ll be part of something truly worthwhile.

I would like to say thank you to everyone both volunteers and staff who have made my experience here so special.

Thanks to the support and experience I gained at Teesside Hospice, I’m now proud to be working as an admin in the NHS. I’ll always be grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities I received while volunteering. Teesside Hospice didn’t just help me grow, it helped me believe in myself.”

If you’d like to be part of a truly special team of volunteers and build your skills, like Amy has, find out more about volunteering with Teesside Hospice at https://www.teessidehospice.org/volunteer/.