During Volunteers Week, we hear from some of our volunteers about what they do and why they do it
Volunteers Week takes place each year from 1st to 7th June. It is a national awareness campaign which allows us to highlight the importance of volunteers to society in general.
Here at North Devon Hospice, we see it as an opportunity to say thank you to the army of volunteers who lend their support every day of the year. We shine a light on just how vital volunteers are to the hospice, because without them, we simply could not provide the care we do.
During Volunteers Week, we are sharing a series of volunteer profiles where we hear from those who give their time, telling us why they do it and how they contribute.
Today we hear from Richard Higgins, who gives his time in the hospice's retail and maintenance teams:
How long have you been volunteering at the hospice?
Since December 2016
What does your role involve?
I have two roles: 1) At the hospice's Barnstaple Furniture Centre, where I investigate books that have been donated. These are then placed on to the Amazon book site for sale. The average price achieved in the past year has been £15 a book. The highest sale was near to £100! 2) I work with the maintaince crew doing anything from painting and fixing shelves at Deer Park, to refurbing and maintaining the shops.
What inspired you to volunteer for the hospice?
Previously while living in Suffolk, where I first retired, I felt I needed to do something with my time and wanted to do something that I had not done in my previous working job roles. So I volunteered for the National Trust (in their restaurant), at Bury St Edmonds hospital (as a runner for the wards and pharmacy) and at Bury St Edmonds cathedral (as a welcome guide).
When I moved to Devon I wanted to carry on with volunteer roles and saw the advert for the hospice's cafe needing a driver to help with food deliveries. I did this for a time, then fell into the other volunteering roles which I really enjoy.
What is your favourite thing about your volunteer role?
As always with volunteer roles, it's the people. They are a big miss when you retire. This, along with knowing you are, in a small way, helping people and organisations.
What is your background outside of volunteering?
Many and varied. Purchasing and supplying functions, along with running warehouses. I also set up parts and service organisations in eastern Europe. In addition I was responsible for sales and marketing for a major diesel engine manufacturer.
Would you recommend volunteering to others? And if so, why?
Absolutely. Quite simply, it beats daytime television (I joke!). It keeps you active in mind and fitness, you keep in touch with people and you give something back to the community.
