Our Harrogate district volunteers are truly amazing, and without them we simply couldn’t do what we do. Did you know that our Saint Michael’s volunteers more than double our staff? We want to introduce to just a selection of our team this Volunteer Week, showing the breadth of roles which they support us in.
If you know someone who volunteers with Saint Michael’s, be sure to give them a huge thank you!
Complementary therapy volunteer, Karlyn
Karlyn brings her skills in massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to help patients and close carers relax. This can lessen feelings of anxiety and stress, which can come with living with a terminal or palliative condition. She says:
“I offer patients treatments in their homes or on Saint Michael’s inpatient unit. We often work closely with colleagues in Saint Michael’s Motor Neurone Disease, Wellbeing and Breathing Space to complement their other care.
“It’s completely up to them and how they’re feeling as to which treatment we choose and whether they would like this at all. Some people enjoy a soothing massage or reflexology which I do with beautiful oils if they wish.
“As the people we treat are often very poorly, we’re very gentle with our massages and aiming to help them relax. It’s time to switch off and not think about everything else which is going on.
“For others, especially those who would prefer to stay dressed or not be touched, we can offer Reiki which is delivered with our hands above the person’s body.
“I excited to currently be completing further Reiki qualifications so that I can offer more of this treatment to patients.
“It’s wonderful how we can offer the treatments in this dedicated room, which doesn’t feel clinical and can give those staying at the hospice a break from their bedroom.
Take a look around our complementary therapy room as part of our virtual tour
“We’re here to support close carers such as husbands and wives, children or siblings too. Caring for a relative or friend who is living with a terminal illness can be challenging and we also want to support them with anxiety or stress. Sometimes we offer our complementary therapies to loved ones who are bereaved.
Find out more about our Just ‘B’ bereavement support
“We have such lovely feedback- people often say they’re sinking into the bed or feel very calm. Sometimes I give them an aroma stick to take away with them so they can use it to remember the experience whenever they wish.
“My favourite thing about volunteering in this role is knowing the difference my treatments can make to those we care for.”
Explore our current volunteer vacancies, or register your interest for future roles
Wellbeing volunteers, Gill, Sam and Liz
Our Wellbeing drop in takes place each Friday 10.15am- 12.15pm: a welcoming and friendly space for people affected by terminal illness and bereavement to come for peer support. 
Many friendships are made and attendees like David tell us that having the opportunity to speak with others who understand is so valuable. Three of our fantastic volunteers shared what it means to them to run these sessions:
Gill said “when someone says they feel heard it feels really rewarding. When we get told ‘the volunteers just know what to say when they are going through a difficult situation’, it’s really nice to hear.”
Sam shared how “I really like you that see someone attend the drop in, in a really difficult place and sometime down the line you see them helping somebody else through.”
Liz reflected that “I really enjoy the comradeship and the support the group provides but also supplies to each other.”
Our drop ins are part of our Wellbeing Network and Just ‘B’ bereavement service, which do not receive statutory funding and are reliant on our community’s support. Find out how you can support our volunteers to do this important work.
Cold Bath Road shop volunteer, Dorothy
Dorothy volunteers in our Cold Bath Road shop having previously managed one of our shops. She generously gives her time now she’s retired.
Cold Bath Road Manager, Phie says: “Dororthy is a fashionista through and through. She gives fabulously honest styling advice and loves the social side volunteering brings her.”
Visit the shop where Dorothy volunteers
Dorothy is pictured proudly holding a newspaper cutting of a fantastic Saint Michael’s does Strictly Come Dancing event she organized in 2013 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate.
Dorothy and her partner brought the sequins and glitter to the ballroom in aid of our charity with an event attended by many local people.
Find out how you can organise your own fundraising event for Saint Michael’s
Did you know our shops are powered by amazing volunteers!? Whether it’s serving customers with a smile, spotting top items to sell on our eBay shop or driving our van across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Boroughbridge. We’re always keen to welcome new faces- why not pop into your nearest shop to see how you can get involved and make new friends.
Thank you to every one of our volunteers
While we can’t name them all here, we have hundreds of truly amazing people giving their time with care across our family of services. Karlyn, Gill, Sam, Liz and Dorothy share just a few examples of the expertise, empathy, creativity and dedication that we so value. And we’re always looking for more!
If you’d like to join our team, register your interest today.
