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Volunteer transcriber supports Hospice mission

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At Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, volunteers play a vital role in supporting our mission and making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

One of our dedicated volunteers, Amber Wood, has been contributing her time and skills in a unique way. She volunteers as an Audio Transcriber, helping us to document and share the diverse stories of our patients, volunteers and supporters.

Volunteering remotely is one of the ways we make it easy for anyone, no matter where they live, to support the Charity’s work. Amber herself discovered the volunteering opportunity in an unexpected way.

We caught up with Amber to learn more about her volunteer journey and what makes her role so meaningful.

“I found out about the role on a volunteer website”, she explained. “I didn’t know it was based in Cambridge when I applied as I lived in Derbyshire at the time. So, I am very lucky to be able to volunteer remotely and flexibly!”

When asked what attracted her to the role, Amber highlighted its meaningful nature.

“I enjoy being part of a team but also like working ‘behind the scenes”, she added: “This role felt very meaningful because I knew I could dedicate time to help with projects that others might not have the time to type up.”

For Amber, being able to contribute to important projects that capture the stories and experiences of others has been fulfilling.

“I enjoy methodical work and hearing about others’ stories as the topics can vary greatly”, she continued:

“It is satisfying to be able to bring out the essence of the person telling their experiences.”

Each transcription Amber completes is a way to honour someone’s story, ensuring their voice is heard and remembered. With so many interesting stories among our patients, volunteers, colleagues, and supporters, Amber’s work helps us share these voices with everyone.

Despite her passion for the work, Amber admits that her journey hasn’t been without its emotional challenges.

“I have, at times, become upset because of the empathy I have felt and the sadness of life coming to an end”, she confessed. “I expected to be moved but I hadn’t expected to be moved to tears.”

However, Amber found a pleasant surprise in the sense of connection:

“I felt included when having the odd Teams meeting, to put names to faces and feel like part of a team, which can be tricky remotely.”

When it comes to advice for potential volunteers, Amber encourages others to take the leap.

“Reach out if you are interested”, she urged. “I had a great interview experience and volunteering means that you can commit to as much or as little as you’d like to. I feel confident that I could share any concerns I had about anything, and it’s very likely that someone else has felt the same way at some point.”

Amber also highlighted the diverse opportunities at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, suggesting that there’s something for everyone:

“Sometimes you don’t know if it’s for you until you have had a go at something quite different, and there is a huge variety of roles at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity!”

Whether through direct interaction with patients or by working behind the scenes, each volunteer’s effort is invaluable.


If Amber’s journey has inspired you, consider exploring the many opportunities available with our Charity by visiting arhc.org.uk/volunteer You may find a role that is not only fulfilling but also perfectly suited to your skills and passions.