Volunteer roles and vacancies

Volunteers at the Coates Centre Oakhaven Hospice

Our wonderful team of volunteers help Oakhaven in so many ways

Volunteering at Oakhaven Hospice

Our volunteers are simply amazing: they give their time and energy to support Oakhaven, bringing a wealth of experience along with their commitment in wanting to help others and make a difference.

When people ask what they could do as a volunteer for Oakhaven Hospice, the short answer is "almost anything". Volunteers support our work in every department. Many support the people we care for in the hospice, others support our patients in their homes. A fantastic team helps in our shops, whilst others assist occasionally with events.

If volunteering sounds right for you, scroll down and take a look through some of the roles to see how you could make a difference in the Oakhaven community.

We are eternally grateful to all our volunteers who have given and continue to give their time to support Oakhaven and its community.

Why volunteer for Oakhaven Hospice?

We are always looking for new people to join our team and here are a few of the reasons why giving the gift of time to Oakhaven can be a rewarding experience.

Give something back to an organisation that has helped your family or friends
Make a difference to people who are at the end of life
Provide a listening ear to someone who is going through a difficult time
Feel valued
Meet new people and make new friends
Gain new skills, knowledge and experience
Use your existing skills and knowledge to help others
Become part of the Oakhaven family

Our current volunteer vacancies

Listed below are current volunteer roles and vacancies. Please click on the + button to learn more about each role. To apply for a role please complete our online form or click here to download a printable form to complete and return.

If you have any questions or would like to chat about any of the roles, please contact Kathryn Marsh by telephone on 01590 646447 or by email at volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Awareness Volunteers

Could you help us raise awareness in your town or village by distributing posters and leaflets to community venues. Be our local link!

Email your interest

Skills Volunteers

Do you have a skill that you could share at the Coates Centre for three hours most months, helping those navigating a life-limiting illness or bereavement?

Email your interest

Photography Volunteers

Are you a photographer who could you volunteer a few hours to take still images or videos to help us with our awareness or events marketing?

Email your interest

Oakhaven Neighbours

Could you provide companionship for Oakhaven patients in their own homes throughout our community? We are particularly seeking in Totton.

Oakhaven Neighbour role

The role of the Hospice Neighbour is to come alongside a referred person and support them in the way they would help a friend or neighbour. This may include helping with practical tasks, helping the person re-engage with their local community, or simply offering companionship and a listening ear.

“Since becoming a neighbour I’ve been helping one family; being someone to talk to, help out with doctor’s appointments, share a cuppa and cake and doing a little bit of shopping especially as things have been tricky with Covid.

They are small things, but to the family they can make a huge difference. Just like everyone, my life has been touched by illness, and it is a good thing to know that I can give something which is worthwhile and may just make life a little easier for those who have a much bigger fight on their hands. Helping others makes me happy and gives extra meaning to my life too.” J Hospice Neighbour

What’s involved?

You will be matched to a suitable person, based on skills, location and the person’s needs
Following that introduction, continue contact and support for the person as mutually agreed
Building a relationship, visits, trips out for coffee, collecting shopping, gardening, dog walking etc.
Keeping the Area Team Leader aware of any developments or concerns with your person
Keeping the Area Team Leader updated regarding how much time you’ve spent with your person for reporting purposes
Attending informal get-togethers with your area team for support

You’ll be

A compassionate listener
Have excellent communication and organisational skills
Understand patient confidentiality
Have emotional resilience
Able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Appropriate training, classroom based, online and experiential
Support from the Hospice Neighbours Coordinator and Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering Handbook and Role Profile
Regular support meetings

Apply online now

Retail Volunteers

Volunteer in one of our retail shops, for our e-commerce department or behind the scenes at our donation centre at Ampress Park in Lymington.

Retail Volunteer role

Oakhaven Hospice has seven shop, in Hythe, Lymington, New Milton and Totton. In addition, there is an online shop, eBay shop and Vinted shop, as well as our donation centre located at our Lymington Home store in Ampress Park.

We receive generous donations that need to be sorted and prepared for sale, which means retail volunteers are in high demand!

We need volunteers to support our retail operations in our shops, where customers are searching for bargains to support Oakhaven.

“At the end of every shift, I feel as though I have contributed to the running of the hospice. Every time a customer brings in a donation and states that they wanted to bring it to Oakhaven because they believe and support the hospice, it make me feel like I am doing something worthwhile”

What’s involved?

Welcoming customers into our shops and giving them a great experience
Helping to sort donations and prepare items for sale
Using the till (with training)
Helping to keep the shop tidy, clean and looking great

You’ll be

Friendly, positive and caring
Good with people and enjoy meeting new people
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Training for the role
Appropriate training, online and in the classroom
Support from the Volunteer Services Team and the Retail Management
Volunteering Handbook and Role Profile

If you’re interested in volunteering in one of our retail shops and helping us to raise money to support Oakhaven, pop along to your local Oakhaven retail shop for a chat with the manager and arrange to have a taster session.

Find details of our retail shop locations here.

Apply online now

Coates Centre Volunteers

Volunteers at the Coates Centre help us to support people bereaved or whose lives have been impacted by life-limiting illnesses.

Coates Centre Volunteer

The Coates Centre is a drop-in for anybody whose life is impacted by life-limiting illness. It also offers a range of support groups, wellbeing activities and social gatherings

“The best thing about being a volunteer is the feeling you get when you know you’ve made a small difference to someone’s day, who is going through a difficult time in their life. I’ve met some truly remarkable people who have had an impact on my life”

What’s involved?

Preparing the Coates Centre for visitors, organising refreshments, checking tidiness and cleanliness.
Preparing rooms for activities and groups
Greeting visitors to the Coates Centre and making them feel welcome
Answering the telephone, taking bookings and messages
Offer a cuppa and a chat

You’ll be

Be a compassionate listener
Have excellent communication and organisational skills
Understand patient confidentiality
Have emotional resilience
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Appropriate training, online and in the classroom
Support from the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering Handbook and Role Profile

If you're interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh, 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Apply online now

Day Hospice Volunteers

Our Day Hospice welcomes many of our patients for one day a week, offering practical support and the chance to have some 'time out.'

Day Hospice Volunteer role

The Day Hospice provides clinical care, social interaction, activities and holistic support to Oakhaven patients who come to the Hospice as day patients. The Day Hospice volunteer provides non-clinical support to the Day Hospice staff by welcoming those coming to the Hospice, engaging with patients and preforming various practical tasks such as making drinks and serving meals.

What's involved?

Welcoming patients on arrival
Serving drinks and lunch to the patients
Preparing and clearing the dining area for the patients
Being part of the Day Hospice team

You'll be

Compassionate and kind with everybody, remembering that this may be a difficult time in their life
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Be able to follow policies and procedures, especially relating to patient care and safety

We'll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom based training and online modules
Support from the Volunteer Service team
Volunteering handbook and Role Profile

If you're interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh at 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Apply online now

Inpatient Ward Volunteers

Could you provide non-clinical support to the Ward staff by welcoming visitors, and performing various practical tasks, such as serving meals?

IPU Volunteer role

The Inpatient Unit (IPU) is where our patients come for more specialist palliative care. They may come for symptom management, short-term care, or they may spend their final days with us on the ward.

Our Ward volunteer provides non-clinical support to the Ward staff by welcoming visitors and performing various practical tasks, such as serving meals.

What's involved?

Welcoming patients, families and visitors to the hospice
Serving drinks and meals to patients
Taking care of flowers and arrangements
Being part of the IPU Ward team

You'll be

Compassionate, empathetic and kind with everybody, remembering that this may be a difficult time in their life
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We'll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom and online training
Support from the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering Handbook and Role Profile

If you're interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh on 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Apply online now

Oakhaven reception volunteer on the phone

Reception Volunteer role

There are two reception desks at Oakhaven Hospice, one in the Day Hospice and the other in the Inpatient Unit, both manned by volunteers.

Receptionist Volunteer role

There are two reception desks at Oakhaven Hospice, one in the Day Hospice and the other in the Inpatient Unit. Both involve meeting and greeting visitors, families, deliveries, healthcare professionals and anybody who comes to our doors. There's also the telephone to answer and queries to solve. As front of house, it's a key volunteer role in support of Oakhaven.

What's involved?

Welcoming patients, families and all visitors to the Hospice
Answering the telephone and dealing with all callers in a helpful and efficient way
Accurately recording messages and passing on
Accepting and signing for deliveries
Dealing with donations of money or items and the return of equipment

You'll be

Compassionate and kind with everybody, remembering that this may be a difficult time in their life
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Flexible and willing to undertake appropriate additional tasks if needed

We'll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom based training and online modules
Support from the Volunteer Service team
Volunteering handbook and Role Profile

If you're interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh, 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Apply online now

Hospice Driver Volunteers

Our volunteer drivers play an important role in transporting the patients to the Day Hospice, then home again in the afternoon.

Hospice Driver

Our Day Hospice offers our patients the chance to come to Oakhaven for a day, meet other people, socialise and have a homecooked lunch. Our staff also provide support, care and understanding. Our volunteer drivers play an important role in transporting the patients to the Day Hospice, then home again in the afternoon.

“My wife convinced me to volunteer after her wonderful experience there. I didn’t want to as I thought it would be a depressing place, but how wrong I could be. Oakhaven is an uplifting, caring and wonderful place to volunteer”

What’s involved?

Confirming and arranging details of patient transfer with Day Hospice staff
Confirming and checking transport details with patient/carer
Transporting patients to and from Day Hospice

You’ll be

A compassionate listener
Have good communication and organisational skills
A good driver
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Standard training, online and in the classroom
Specific training for the role
Support from the Volunteer Services Team

You’ll also need to be willing to attend the Hampshire County Council Driver Skills Scheme for a driving assessment.

Apply online now

Complementary Therapist Volunteer

We are looking for qualified Complementary Therapists to join the team as volunteers.

Comp Therapist Volunteer

The Complementary Therapy Team provide a range of treatments to aid relaxation and symptom management to patients and members of their families in the Inpatient Unit, Day Hospice and by booked appointments.

We are looking for qualified Complementary Therapists to join the team as volunteers. You can make a real difference to the wellbeing of our patients by using your professional skills, along with empathy and compassion. We aim to make every moment matter and you can help us with that ambition.

What’s involved?

Providing a range of complementary therapy treatments within the boundaries of individual skill, training and qualifications
Working holistically as part of the multi disciplinary Complementary Therapy Team
Documentation of complementary therapy treatment for each patient/client

You’ll be

Compassionate and kind with everybody, remembering that this may be a difficult time in their lives
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Empathetic, professional and safe in your approach

Qualifications

A recognised Complementary qualification
A professional indemnity insurance of a minimum of £1,000,000
Membership of a professional body
Evidence of continuing professional development

We’ll provide

Training for the role and ongoing supervision
Support from the Complementary Therapy Coordinator and Volunteer Services Coordinator
Volunteer handbook and induction training
Uniform

If you’re interested in this role, please contact Sally Woods 01590 670346 or Kathryn Marsh 01590 646447 for information, or apply online using the link below.

Apply online now

Relaxation Volunteer role

If you have no qualifications but are interested in supporting our Comp Therapy team, we will train you to provide hand and foot massages.

Relaxation Volunteer

We provide complementary therapies to patients, carers and bereaved relatives. If you have no qualifications in this area but are interested in supporting our team, we will train you to provide hand and foot massage.

“To volunteer there gives me the satisfaction that I use new skills to make a difference to the lives of people who are going through a very difficult time”

What’s involved?

Learning about hand and foot massage
Preparing for each client – room, relevant information
Providing hand and foot massage
Ensuring cleanliness and tidiness of treatment room

You’ll be

Be a compassionate listener
Have excellent communication and organisational skills
Understand patient confidentiality
Have emotional resilience
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Bespoke training for the role
Appropriate training, online and in the classroom
Support and mentoring from the Complementary Therapy Team
Support from the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering Handbook and Role Profile

If you’re interested in this role, please contact Sally Woods 01590 670346 or Kathryn Marsh 01590 646447 for information, or apply online using the link below.

Apply online now

The multi faith room at Oakhaven Hospice

Chaplaincy Volunteers

Our Chaplaincy Volunteers support the Chaplain, engaging with our patients in groups and on a one-to-one basis.

Chaplaincy Volunteer

Could you help support our patients with a listening ear and compassion?

Our Chaplaincy Volunteers help support the Chaplain in both the Day Hospice and the Inpatient Unit. They engage with our patients sometimes on a one-to-one basis and also in group settings.

What’s involved?

Supporting staff and patients in the Day Hospice
Helping at monthly Bereavement Afternoon tea
Providing a compassionate and confidential listening ear

You’ll be

Compassionate, empathetic and kind with everybody, remembering that this may be a difficult time in their life
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Be able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom training and online training
Support from the Chaplain and the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering handbook and Role Profile

If you’re interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh on 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk

Apply online now

Gardening Volunteers

Our gardeners keep our beautiful garden the tranquil space appreciated by our patients and their families.

Gardening Volunteer

Our team of gardeners take care of the Oakhaven garden and make it the beautiful and tranquil space that so many of our patients and their families appreciate.

Gardener Volunteer role

The Gardener Volunteers come to Oakhaven every Wednesday morning. They mow, rake, snip, prune, weed and chop! Our gardens look beautiful as a result.

“It was such a joy to be able to spend some time in the lovely garden whilst my husband was being cared for on the ward. It was so peaceful and gave me chance to breathe for a few moments”

What’s involved?

General gardening activities including
Mowing the lawns
Weeding the flower beds
Pruning and trimming bushes and shrubs appropriately

You’ll be

Interested in all aspects of gardening
Aware of boundaries and how to respect them
Able to follow policies and procedures, particularly with regard to and gardening hazards

We’ll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom training and online training
Support from the Operations Manager and the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering handbook and Role Profile

If you’re interested in this role, please contact Kathryn Marsh on 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk

Apply online now

eCommerce Volunteers

Our e-commerce volunteers support the e-commerce team with our online sales on eBay and our website.

eCommerce Volunteer

Are you interested in fashion, vintage, or bric a brac?

Are you interested in antiques, art or pre-loved fashion?

Our e-commerce volunteers support the e-commerce team with our online sales. We use ebay as well as the Oakhaven website to showcase and sell many items, including vintage fashion and furniture, including antiques and pre-loved

What’s involved?

Identifying high value items from the donation bags
Researching a range of online sales websites for comparative items
Recommending appropriate sale prices
Photographing items

You’ll be

Friendly, positive and caring
Comfortable using websites and researching items
Able to follow policies and procedures

We’ll provide

Practical training with an experienced volunteer
Appropriate classroom training and online training
Support from the e-commerce Manager and the Volunteer Services Team
Volunteering handbook and Role Profile

If you’re interested in this role, please contact Kirstie Dobson, E-commerce Manager at kirstie.dobson@oakhavenretail.co.uk or Kathryn Marsh on 01590 646447 for information or email volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk

Apply online now

Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Oakhaven need volunteers?

Why do people volunteer?

When asked all our volunteers say that they want to make a difference and do something meaningful with their spare time. Our volunteers are as diverse as the roles they do, some are retired, whilst others schedule their volunteering around their paid work and other responsibilities, some are young people who want to help their community, whilst others help at fundraising events once or twice a year.

There is something to suit everyone, you can chat with the Volunteer Services Team on 01590 646447 or email them on volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.

Who can volunteer?

What kind of role could I do?

How much time do I have to give?

What sort of training do you provide?

What if I see something in the Hospice that affects me emotionally?

Yes, I want to volunteer! What do I do now?

Sorry, I can’t volunteer. Is there any other way to help?

Make a donation

Volunteer roles and vacancies

Our wonderful team of volunteers help Oakhaven in so many ways

Volunteering at Oakhaven Hospice

Why volunteer for Oakhaven Hospice?

Our current volunteer vacancies

Awareness Volunteers

Skills Volunteers

Photography Volunteers

Oakhaven Neighbours

Retail Volunteers

Coates Centre Volunteers

Day Hospice Volunteers

Inpatient Ward Volunteers

Reception Volunteer role

Hospice Driver Volunteers

Complementary Therapist Volunteer

Relaxation Volunteer role

Chaplaincy Volunteers

What’s involved?

You’ll be

We’ll provide

Gardening Volunteers

Gardener Volunteer role

What’s involved?

You’ll be

We’ll provide

eCommerce Volunteers

What’s involved?

You’ll be

We’ll provide

Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

Make a donation

Sign up to receive our news

Get in touch

Volunteer roles and vacancies

Our wonderful team of volunteers help Oakhaven in so many ways

Volunteering at Oakhaven Hospice

Why volunteer for Oakhaven Hospice?

Our current volunteer vacancies

Awareness Volunteers

Skills Volunteers

Photography Volunteers

Oakhaven Neighbours

Retail Volunteers

Coates Centre Volunteers

Day Hospice Volunteers

Inpatient Ward Volunteers

Reception Volunteer role

Hospice Driver Volunteers

Complementary Therapist Volunteer

Relaxation Volunteer role

Chaplaincy Volunteers

Gardening Volunteers

eCommerce Volunteers

Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions

Make a donation

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