As I think I have mentioned, I have decided to do some voluntary work, just a few hours a week to begin with. I thought it would be a worth while way of getting out of the house and meeting new people. I love being at home on my own and am certainly never bored, but sometimes, I realise that I have gone for days and haven't even left the house. The only people I have spoken to are Simon, Saskia and Josh, in the evening when they come home!
I used an online website to register my details and interests. I expressed an interest in a local Sue Ryder hospice and the local Help the Aged charity shop. I haven't heard from the shop, but I had an interview yesterday with the coordinator of volunteers at The Sue Ryder hospice.
I should mention at this point, that I did go appropriately dressed, with minimal make up and jewelery, low heeled shoes etc..... If you keep up with my blog, you'll know that my Tuesday Thirteen this week was a list of 13 things not to say at an interview. Well my good friend, Dixie, posted a list of 22 things not to wear at an interview. It is very entertaining but is based on her real life experience of interviewing over the years. She has seen some sights! Take a look at it here:http://dixiegirlsplace.multiply.com/journal/item/447/Twenty-two_Things_NOT_to_Wear_to_an_Interview
The coordinator was a very nice lady and we sat and chatted over coffee in their coffee shop. After that I was shown around and the various opportunities were explained to me. I think I am going to help in the day center. This is where they do all kinds of activities with people who come in just for the day but also if any of the patients are well enough and want to join in then they can.
They do computer stuff, painting, embroidery, cookery, pottery, more or less anything you can think of. They also have trips out. It had a really nice atmosphere. The patients at the hospice are mainly in the more final stages of cancer. They do also take patients with aids, parkinsons disease and other neurological disorders. The vast majority though are cancer patients. The hospice offers both palliative and end of life care.
The Sue Ryder Foundation (now know as Sue Ryder Care) was set up as a registered charity by Lady Ryder (Baroness Ryder of Warsaw) in 1953. There is a very interesting article about her here: http://www.richarddnorth.com/journalism/culture/sueryder.htm
The hospice at Thorpe Hall, Peterborough was set up by the foundation in 1991, it has 20 beds all of which are offered free. One bed is for the use of social services. Thorpe Hall is a magnificent, grade 1 listed building. It was built between 1653 and 1656 and has had various uses over the years. It was at one time a maternity hospital. If you are interested have a look here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorpe_Hall
What happens now is that they will check my references and run the police check and then I will be invited to go along and do a taster session to see if I like it. If I do then we can decide when I shall do my few hours.
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