Volunteering at a hospice, whatever the role, can be one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences you’ll ever have – but how can you tell if it’s the right fit for you, and where do you start if you’re ready to get involved?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five simple but important steps to help you understand what hospice volunteering really involves, how to get started, and what to expect along the way.
So, first things first…
The Necessary Skills Needed to be a Hospice Volunteer
Whether it’s holding a hand, sharing a story, or just being a quiet companion, your role isn’t to fix anything – it’s to be there, wholeheartedly.
Whether you’re offering hands-on care, emotional support, or helping out behind the scenes, these are the qualities we often see in our amazing volunteers:
- Patience and kindness – Hospice care often isn’t fast paced, in fact quite the opposite. Things may move slowly and conversations may pause often. Patience allows you to give people the time and space they need.
- Listening skills – Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just listen to the patients. Let someone share stories, memories, or even just sit in silence with you. No fixing. No judgment. Just being there.
- Compassion with others – Compassion is the heart of it all. You need to genuinely care about others, especially people going through pain, grief, or fear. It’s about being kind and present, even when there are no “right” words to say.
- Emotional strength – Hospice care can be heavy. You’ll be around grief, loss, and deep emotions. It helps to be grounded and open-hearted, but also know how to care for yourself afterwards. We can support you in this.
- Being calm and gentle – It’s not about doing – it’s about being. Just being a calming presence can make someone feel less alone.
How Do I Become a Hospice Volunteer? Our 5-Step Guide
1. Understand What Being a Hospice Volunteer Truly Involves
Before you apply to anything, whether it’s a job or a volunteering opportunity, it’s important to really understand what you’re signing up for – especially when it comes to hospice care, where your presence can have a profound emotional impact on both patients and their families.
You might also be required to support the family just as much as the patient – offering them a short break, a listening ear, or reassurance that they’re not alone. It’s emotional work, but it’s also deeply human and incredibly meaningful.
2. Do Your Research and Choose the Right Hospice Organisation
Not all hospice programs are the same, so it’s important to take a little time to find one that aligns with your values, availability, and comfort level.
When looking around for hospices in your local area, you might want to ask questions like: What kind of training do they provide? Do they offer emotional support for their volunteers? Will you be working directly with patients, or are there behind-the-scenes roles too?
It’s good to make sure that you’re joining a team that treats both its patients and volunteers with compassion and respect.
Volunteering Opportunities at Skanda Vale Hospice
Skanda Vale Hospice is primarily led and run by volunteers. Whether you’d like to help with nursing, leadership, care, fundraising or supportive services, there’s a role for you here.
Browse our range of hospice care volunteering roles here, including a complementary therapist, kitchen helper, carer, companion, cleaner, nurse and even gardener!
3. Complete an Application Form
Once you’ve found a hospice organisation that feels like the right fit, you’re more than likely going to need to fill out an application form (like the one at the bottom of this page).
Don’t worry, it’s usually pretty straightforward. This is your first opportunity to share a bit about who you are, why you’re interested in volunteering, and what kind of support you feel comfortable providing.
You’ll likely be asked about your availability, any relevant experience (though it’s totally okay if you don’t have any), and your preferences – like whether you’d rather work directly with patients or help out behind the scenes.
4. Expect an Interview & Screening Stage
The next stage is typically the interview and screening process (which is usually a good sign that they liked your application and see potential in you as a volunteer).
But don’t stress, this isn’t a high-pressure job interview, just think of it as a conversation to get to know you better and to help both you and the hospice team determine if this role is a good fit.
During this stage, you’ll likely also go through a background check, and will be asked for references, and some programmes may require proof of vaccinations, especially if you’ll be visiting patients in person. This is all standard and done with the safety of patients and volunteers in mind.
5. Attend Training
Once you’ve passed the interview and screening stage, the next step is attending training.
This is where you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support hospice patients and their families, relevant to your role.
At Skanda Vale Hospice, we provide comprehensive training that includes shadowing, one-to-one support, team sharing and development opportunities, plus additional learning as needed.
This ensures that our volunteers are well-equipped to offer their role at the hospice while feeling supported throughout their journey with us.
Why Volunteer with Skanda Vale Hospice
What makes Skanda Vale unique is the heart-centered approach to care. We don’t just treat patients; we honour their dignity, their stories, and their humanity in every interaction.
As a volunteer, you’ll be truly valued as a core member of the team. Whether you’re offering companionship at the bedside, making delicious, nourishing meals, or tending to the garden, your presence can bring peace and comfort.
We also deeply believe in nurturing our volunteers. As touched on in point number 5, you’ll receive thorough training, ongoing support, and opportunities to learn and reflect. Whether you’re with us for a few hours a week or in a more regular role, you’ll know that what you’re doing matters – and that you’re making a difference in someone’s life, simply by showing up with kindness and presence.
So, if you’re looking for a place where your compassion can truly shine, Skanda Vale Hospice is a beautiful place to begin.
Check out our volunteering opportunities here, and if you’d like to speak with a friendly member of the team about our roles and jobs, feel free to give us a call on 01559 371222.
