Hospice of the Valleys - The True Value of Volunteers

The True Value of Volunteers

Working at Hospice of the Valleys I have realised the true value of volunteers.

Within the CARIAD Service our volunteers are a vital and integrated part of our team. Before the Covid-19 pandemic every week we would have volunteers support our activity group; supporting people with their goals, identifying issues and passing them to the professionals, all whilst encouraging laughter and positivity.

The pandemic changed lots of things; our groups were no longer able to run and our befriender volunteers who families relied on for weekly visits had to pause their support to ensure everyone was kept safe. However the “we are still here, we still care” motto has been adopted not just by the staff but by our superb volunteers as well. They stepped up providing telephone support as an alternative and have also been supporting our weekly zoom activity group!

It’s so lovely to be part of a team, staff and volunteers alike, that truly have the people of Blaenau Gwent at the heart of everything they do! It’s a massive thank you to all our volunteers this week and I look forward to having a cuppa and a catch up with you all soon!

Hospice virtual hugs and high fives – the CARIAD Team ❤

Phil was shell shocked when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago, age 44. Not knowing where else to turn, Phil self-referred to the hospice, already aware of the service as his father- in- law had received support. “When I was diagnosed I was unsure where to turn. The hospice helped me understand my diagnosis and then explained the services they could provide to support me and my family” Shortly after Phil’s referral his specialist nurse saw he was suffering from a number of stress induced problems and suggested complementary therapy. “I was sceptical to begin with, but I could soon feel the benefits. My stress levels decreased and my sleep dramatically improved”. Phil received reflexology, massage and aromatherapy he also received these treatments when staying at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital. The treatments improved Phil’s physical and psychological symptoms, allowing him to open up, discussing his fears and anxieties in a safe and relaxed environment. “It was my oasis in life, it was me time and I didn’t get that anywhere else. I would highly recommend having complementary therapies to anyone who is unsure. They have helped me no end and I haven’t looked back since” Phil explained. During Phil’s journey he accessed a variety of the hospice’s services including family support, nursing and therapies. The clinical team worked together providing the support Phil needed. Phil was discharged from the hospice as his symptoms were controlled and stable. Although Phil was anxious about discharge, he worked with the team and knows that should anything change, the hospice is only ever a phone call away.