A call to Hospice at Home West Cumbria has given us more than we bargained for.

Could the charity recommend a person of the week - someone who just goes that little bit out of the way to make life better for others?

No, they could not give one, but they could give us 176.

That is how many volunteers the charity has and volunteer coordinator Teresa McCall said it was impossible to choose just one.

“In the last quarter (October to December 2022) our volunteers volunteered 890 times giving 2,689 hours.”

Mrs McCall welcome our query as a chance to thank the “amazing volunteers.”

There is no such thing, either, as a ‘typical volunteer.’

They range in age from 16 to 80+, doing a wide variety of different roles within the organisation.

Some volunteers support the clinical teams by providing social and emotional support to patients, carers, families and those bereaved.

“Our retail team are supported by volunteers in our shops in Workington, Cockermouth and Keswick as well as our Donation Centre and van drivers collecting donations from supporters’ homes.” There is the Therapy and Information Centre reception is manned by volunteers and there are the many volunteers who support the charity’s fundraising activities.

Mrs McCall said: “Volunteers are a core part of our organisation and enable us to offer more support and services to the local community.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life and therefore have a wide range of qualities, skills and expertise that they share with us.

“They all choose to volunteer for us to give something back.

“For some, that is because their family or friends have used our services. Others volunteer because we are a local charity and all money raised stays local to support their local community.”

If the volunteers are as diverse as it seems, however, there is one thing they all have in common and that is making this vital service able to do its job in the community.

Mrs McCall added:If anyone reading this has any spare time and would like to do something useful for their local community we would love to hear from you.“

If you are interested in volunteering for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, or to find out more about what is involved,please call 01900 873173 or email volunteers@hhwc.org.uk