Could you be a St Luke's volunteer? St Luke's Hospice is actively recruiting for new volunteers, particularly for their trading sectors.

With nine shops, including one in Sandbach, they play an integral part of allowing St Luke's to continue their vital work within the community.

The charity also has a day hospice, Winterley Grange, in Winterley near Sandbach as well as their Winsford one.

Their shops not only help fund their vital palliative care services and counselling service but they play a huge role in their community, creating friendships and a welcome space for many.

Sandbach Nub News told in November how volunteer, Pat Arnold relishes her twice-weekly shifts at the Congleton Road shop, helping to raise funds for St Luke's.

You can read the story here: https://sandbach.nub.news/news/local-news/up-close-meet-the-choral-singer-who-is-hitting-all-the-right-notes-with-her-role-at-st-lukes-hospice-shop-in-sandbach-160812

Pat Arnold in the Sandbach branch of St Luke's

Adelle Gillet, St Luke's volunteer coordinator said: "St Luke's Hospice simply couldn't exist without the support of volunteers.

"By volunteering with St Luke's, you'll be joining our team of over 650 dedicated people who give their time freely to help our charity.

"So, even if you just have a few hours to spare, your time really can make a big difference.

"Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and each have their own motivation for spending their time with us.

"Many volunteers enjoy the social aspect of volunteering and the chance to gain work experience, learn new skills or put to use their existing talents."

Research has shown that volunteering not only benefits the charity you are working for, enabling them to use funds to continue their good work but volunteering has actually been proven to make you happier.

Building social connections with people with shared values, helping you to feel connected to your community, knowing you have made a positive impact on people's lives as well as learning new skills.

Andy Horswell has been volunteering as a van driver at St Luke's warehouse in Winsford since he retired from the travel industry three years ago.

"Give volunteering a go and see what you think. You meet people, make new friends and it's so rewarding to know you're helping the Hospice…It's totally different every day I come in," he said.

Andy Horswell

"Everyone's friendly, we have a laugh, we get through the work and the hours go so quickly. It shoots by because there's so much to be done."

St Luke's Hospice is actively recruiting for new volunteers and has a variety of opportunities for all aged 16 plus.

Whether you have an hour or one day a week to volunteer, your time and help will make a difference to many.

To find out more about how to become a volunteer, contact Adelle Gillet at [email protected] or call 01606 551246.