Volunteering at the hospice on Christmas Day: Elisabeth’s story

I lost my husband at the hospice eight years ago, and that’s when my journey as a volunteer began. I sat on reception with another volunteer and more or less started straight away.

Now, most of my time is spent on reception, but I also go up to the ward to do surveys and chat with patients. There are three of us who organise fundraising events three or four times a year too. I enjoy it because it feels like I’m giving something back after the care my husband received.

I’ve been volunteering at the hospice on Christmas Day for five or six years now, as well as New Year and Easter. When people arrive, I want them to see a friendly face waiting to welcome them. It might be their last Christmas with a loved one, and that matters.

One year, I helped a gentleman carry his presents up to the ward, he still pops in to see us. I always let people know we’re here if they need anything, whether that’s a cup of tea or someone to listen.

We hear so many stories, and that’s a privilege. I get a lot out of it too because if I wasn’t at the hospice, I could be on my own. Instead, I might have Christmas lunch with the girls and take biscuits up to the nurses.

I know what it feels like to walk into a hospice for the first time. People are often afraid; they might never have been in a hospice before and don’t know what to expect.

We try to offer reassurance. We learn as much as we share, and we do everything we can to make that last Christmas as memorable as possible.

I’ve seen people struggle to get out of their car because the first step is the hardest. But it’s not all about grief. There’s laughter as well as tears, and it’s lovely to see a smile on someone’s face.

I also lead the Grief Kind Space sessions in Moggerhanger, and I think it’s so important to run them at Christmas. For some people, it’s their first Christmas since losing a loved one. The group gives them a place to be together.

After a bereavement, even family members sometimes don’t know what to say, they’re afraid of upsetting each other. At the group, people can talk freely with others who understand and support one another.

Volunteering has given me purpose and connection.

I enjoy it, and I feel like I’m putting a little bit back after the care my husband received. And at Christmas, that feels even more special.