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Who are Volunteers?

People have all sorts of different reasons for offering their services as a volunteer at St Columba's – and they all help in so many different ways.

Here, some of our volunteers themselves explain what their service here means to them.


"Why do I volunteer? When I walk in the front door I get a sense of the peace and tranquillity, and feel privileged to be a volunteer here."

  • Pat – Admin Volunteer


"I feel I am just a small cog in a large wheel which makes me feel as if I belong to a very big caring family. This is extended to all patients, staff and volunteers."

  • Cathleen, a volunteer who works in Finance Department counting all the loose change donated by the public in collecting cans.


"I enjoy being a volunteer for St Columba's because it makes you feel as if you belong to a team, which helps patients, staff and each other."

  • Janet – Coffee Team, Iona Room


"I wanted to volunteer at the Hospice because my husband was a patient, I felt it was a very worthwhile thing to do. It also gives the nursing staff time to take care of the patient's needs."

  • Frances – Flower Team


"To repay the Hospice, in some small way, for the superb and loving care given to several of our relatives who were Hospice patients; and to their families."

"Because I feel part of the wider Hospice 'family'."

"Because the support is two-way - the support volunteers give to the Hospice is returned to us fourfold, simply by being a member of the Hospice Team."

"Because the choice of tasks from which volunteers can choose is so varied."

"Because of the very good friends I have made by being a Hospice volunteer."

"Because Hospice volunteering is fun!"

"Because being a Hospice volunteer makes me feel good too!"

"Because all my grouses are put smartly into perspective when I see the courage of Hospice patients and the commitment of staff to their care and wellbeing."

"After I retired I felt a bit lost. Volunteering for the Hospice gave me a purpose in life and took my mind off my own loneliness."