It’s Volunteers Week – June 1 to 7 – and a chance to thank volunteers for the fantastic contribution they make to our communities.

None more so than at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care in Poole which is not only thanking its 90 ‘amazing’ volunteers but also encouraging others to join them.

Whether it’s manning the till at one of its charity shops, or working with the day hospice team to assist patients, your help would be very much appreciated.

Clare Gallie, CEO, pictured left, said: “During this week we want to make sure, more than ever, that the wonderful people who offer our local charity their continued help and time through volunteering, understand that we are all so very thankful for their support.

“Our volunteers are wonderful people and so I wanted to say on behalf of everyone at our hospice, thank you.

“Without our volunteers we simply would not be able to help the local people that we are here to care for.”

Nicola Garsden, Volunteers Manager, pictured right, added: “We currently work with over 90 amazing volunteers, many of whom have donated their time most generously for many years.

“We are always looking for ways to encourage new volunteer support and have a huge variety of different roles, including help with our charity shops, day hospice, patient drivers, administration and complementary therapy services.

“By volunteering you would be helping a well-loved charity, and people in your local community, with many added benefits, ranging from confidence building, socialising, meeting new friends, gaining new skills and experience, many of which can be transferred into the workplace.

“Most importantly it is a fun and friendly experience”

Carol Burnell, one of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s volunteers, said: “I feel I’ve had a great life so far, and I wanted to give something back.

“The idea of volunteering for a charity is something I had long considered, but it wasn’t until I started talking to close friends and family about how fantastic Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s day care was that I felt I wanted to get involved and help others who needed support in my community.”

To find out more about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s vital services, or if you would like information about volunteering, please visit lewis-manning.org.uk, email hr@lewis-manning.org.uk  or call 01202 708470.