Hope House and Ty Gobaith children’s hospices have paid tribute to the 600 amazing and incredible volunteers who help make it possible to fund and provide vital care and support to terminally ill children and their families across the region.

Volunteers Week takes place from June 1 to 8 making this an ideal time to celebrate the contribution volunteers make to Hope House and Ty Gobaith in so many different ways, says the charity’s Volunteering Officer Di Murr.

“We have more than 600 volunteers using their skills and experience to help with everything from fundraising events to sorting donated items in our shops, which both help us to raise the money we need to provide our services, and from gardening and housekeeping, to supporting our Care teams at the hospices,” explains Di.

“They all make a huge contribution to helping us to be here for children and families who need us. As well as knowing they are helping others, our volunteers also delight in being able to meet new friends and in developing skills that can also be a stepping stone into work.”

If you are feeling inspired to volunteer Di would love to hear from you and has a variety of roles on offer across Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales. Time commitments can vary from a regular morning or afternoon, to an ad hoc basis.

Help is always needed with fundraising events and in the Hope House/Ty Gobaith charity shops. Gardeners are currently needed at both Ty Gobaith in Conwy and Hope House in Oswestry, while the housekeeping team at Hope House is after help to clean, wash and iron and keep the hospice spick and span.

There are also specialist roles such as Activity Leaders who have a special interest or skill that they could share, on an ad hoc basis, with the young people staying at the hospices.

“We would love to hear from anyone with skills in gaming, crafting, hair & beauty, arts, films, cooking, music, karaoke, video-making, outdoor activities or anything else they feel would be appropriate to share with our young people,” adds Di.

“There is no such thing as a ‘typical volunteer’ – people from all walks of life are welcomed and we benefit greatly from drawing on their skills and life experiences. There is always a role we can find for you!”

So why not mark Volunteers Week by finding out how you could join the Hope House and Ty Gobaith volunteering teams? You can find more information at www.hopehouse.org.uk/volunteer or contact Di Murr on 01691 679679 or email volunteer@hopehouse.org.uk.