Could you give a little of your time to make a big difference at Pendleside Hospice?

Pendleside Hospice is looking for more volunteers to join its team, supporting its charity shops, delivering Meals on Wheels to local people and helping patients get to appointments and groups safely.

Volunteers are at the heart of Pendleside Hospice, giving their time, skills and kindness to support local people and their families when they need it most.

With more than 400 volunteers supporting different areas of the Hospice, their contribution is invaluable. Together, they give an incredible 1,453 hours of their time every week, helping Pendleside continue to provide care and support to people across the local community.

If the Hospice had to pay for every one of those hours, it would cost an estimated £1,091,586 a year. But the value of volunteering goes far beyond the financial contribution. It is the friendly face in a shop, the reassuring conversation over a doorstep meal delivery and the helping hand that makes getting to an appointment a little easier.

Now, Pendleside is hoping to welcome even more people into its volunteering family, with opportunities available across its retail shops, Meals on Wheels service and patient transport service.

Pendleside’s charity shops play an important role in raising vital funds to support the Hospice’s work, generating £950,236 in the 2025/26 financial year. As the retail side of the Hospice continues to grow, more volunteers are needed to help keep its shops running smoothly and welcome customers through the doors.

Whether it’s sorting donations, preparing stock, helping customers or keeping the shop looking its best, there are lots of ways to get involved. No previous retail experience is needed, just a willingness to get stuck in and be part of a friendly team.

Volunteering in a shop is also a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and give something back to the community, all while helping raise money for local hospice care.

Beyond its shops, Pendleside’s volunteers also provide vital support to local people through its Meals on Wheels service, which delivers hot, nutritious meals to people in their own homes, including those who are older, isolated or living with complex needs.

For some people, a meal delivery is about much more than the food itself. It can provide a welcome friendly face, a little conversation and reassurance, helping to reduce loneliness and support people to remain independent.

The service is only possible thanks to its dedicated volunteer drivers. By giving a little of their time, volunteers can make a real difference to someone who may otherwise have limited contact with others. Mileage expenses can be claimed, helping to cover the cost of using their own vehicles.

The Hospice is also looking for patient transport volunteers who can use their own vehicles to collect patients from home, bring them safely to their appointments or groups at Pendleside, and take them home again afterwards.

For patients, being able to attend an appointment or group can offer valuable support and companionship. Having someone there to help with the journey can make accessing that support much easier. Patient transport volunteers help remove some of the practical barriers patients may face, offering a friendly welcome and helping them feel supported from the moment they leave home until they return safely.

Natalie O’Neill, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Pendleside Hospice, said: "Our volunteers mean so much to us here at Pendleside Hospice. We simply could not provide the care, compassion and support to the local community without our wonderful volunteers! If you have a little time to spare and the desire to make a real difference, please do get in touch."

There are many reasons people choose to volunteer. Some want to meet new people, others hope to learn new skills, and many simply want to give something back to the community they call home. Whatever the reason, every volunteer plays a part in helping Pendleside Hospice continue its work.

Pendleside understands that everyone has different commitments, and volunteering is about finding an opportunity that works for you and your availability. Whether you can offer a few hours in a shop, help deliver meals or support patients with their journeys, every contribution is valued.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Pendleside Hospice, the team would love to hear from you.

To find out more about the opportunities available, call 01282 440159 or email [email protected].