Volunteers’ Week 2025 at Dorothy House

Volunteers’ Week returns after reaching its 40^th anniversary last year. From 2-8 June 2025, Dorothy House is joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the UK, recognising the invaluable contribution volunteers make to our communities.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Dorothy House. In fact, almost 50 years ago the Hospice was founded by a small group of volunteers. Now with almost 1,300 volunteers in over 50 different roles, volunteers continue to be absolutely essential to our work and we simply could not deliver our services for patients and families without their tremendous contribution.

Volunteers’ Week at Dorothy House

Volunteers’ Week provides a crucial opportunity to thank our volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. We’re thanking our volunteers by giving each of them a thank you card and providing treats to enjoy throughout the week in the Hospice at Winsley and in our shops. We’re also hosting two thank you cream tea afternoons in Winsley.

Liza Pinching, Director of People & Services says:

Volunteers’ Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make. Like many other charities we just could not function without our wonderful volunteers, with so many people giving up their time and going above and beyond. The week is an important chance for all of us to recognise our volunteers’ dedication and say thank you.

Dorothy House Volunteer Open Afternoon

As well as saying thank you to our existing volunteers, we’re highlighting the broad range of rewarding volunteer opportunities we have on offer throughout the week.

We’re holding a Volunteer Open Afternoon on Tuesday, 3 June from 2.30-8pm for prospective new volunteers to drop in at any time to chat to us about volunteering and learn about the range of volunteer roles available. There will also be a short presentation at 3.30pm and 7pm. The Volunteer Open Afternoon will take place in our Bloomfield Hall and refreshments will be available. Find out more here.

Anthea’s volunteer story

We spoke to Anthea, Legacies Volunteer, about her role at Dorothy House and why she decided to join the team:

What were you doing before you began your role in the Legacies team at Dorothy House?

About six years ago, I joined Dorothy House for the first time as a Compassionate Companions Volunteer, sitting with end of life patients at the RUH. Then, at the start of the pandemic, the Telephone Companions service was set up, and I started weekly telephone calls to patients at home, with life limiting illnesses. I continue with both these roles.

Why did you go for the Legacies role?

I was thinking I might take on something else for Dorothy House. I knew that my IT and administrative skills were adequate for home tasks, but also knew that I was decades out of date. However, when I met Sarah Dodd, Head of Legacies, she assured me that I would receive all the necessary training. I work with Sarah and Helen (Legacies Administrator) one morning a week.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

I have learned such a lot! Not only about administration and Legacies, but also about fundraising and, importantly, about the workings of Dorothy House in general. It’s a good mix of familiar, day-to-day tasks, with some new and unexpected ones. It’s all satisfying!

What does your role involve?

My daily tasks often include:

• Updating the CRM database with details of every communication made, to individuals and organisations.
• Writing thank you letters to solicitors and cards to donors.
• Helping with Legacies events, such as End of Life Planning Clinics.

Do you enjoy volunteering for Dorothy House?

I love every minute! The feeling of belonging to a team or organisation is very important to me, and has increased with each role I have taken on.

Would you recommend volunteering for us?

I certainly would. There are countless different volunteering roles: there must be something for everybody! Volunteers are a huge part of the workforce, and we are constantly and sincerely appreciated.

Get involved this Volunteers’ Week at Dorothy House

To learn more about volunteering with Dorothy House and browse all our current volunteer opportunities, please click here. Don’t miss our Volunteers’ Open Afternoon to find out more in person.