Volunteer spotlight: Ish Hunte, Chippenham Furniture Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. In fact, they are so important to the Hospice that we cannot run any of our services without their help.

More than 1,200 people volunteer with Dorothy House so we can continue to offer free care to people with life limiting illnesses, and their families.

We love to hear from our volunteers about their experiences with us, whether that’s in our shops, at the Hospice, supporting our community groups or as Companions. We spoke to Ish Hunte about his role at Chippenham Furniture and why he volunteers his time with Dorothy House Retail.

Volunteering with Dorothy House – Ish’s story

“I have been volunteering at the furniture shop in Chippenham since December 2021, so over 4 years. The time has just flown by, and the team are all amazing! My friend Carol from our church choir persuaded me to come along and try volunteering with Dorothy House and she really helped me settle in.

My role is very varied. I just love to clean! I love to go through the kitchen cupboards and sort them out, I love washing bric-a-brac and making things sparkle. I have also cleaned fridges on the shop floor. I really love making tea and coffee for everyone; I have been told my tea is very good!

Recently, I have also been working with the books at Chippenham Furniture shop. I now scan them for Webuybooks, using an app, and send them off each week; another way of making money for the charity.

Volunteering at Chippenham Furniture shop has increased my confidence, which helped me to find a paid job elsewhere. I enjoy volunteering so much that I wanted to continue with Dorothy House.

I had to change my day, which wasn’t an issue at all, everyone is really flexible and caring. I love working with the other volunteers, we are such a team! They are all really supportive.

To anyone considering volunteering for Dorothy House I would say, come along! We have fun and everyone is so friendly. I have made lots of friends.”

Get involved!

If you would like to get involved with Dorothy House, don’t miss our Volunteering Open Day on Tuesday 1st June at Winsley in the Roper Room. Drop in any time you like from 2:30-8pm, with a presentation taking place at 3pm and repeated at 7pm. 

Otherwise, take a look at our Volunteering page to find the right role for you. There are lots of different options available, which can work around your schedule. Any time you have to give, we can put to good use supporting your local hospice. Click here to get started.