Bistro Volunteer

Barbara Perkins

Like so many other families, ours has been touched by cancer and when my Mother was terminally ill thirty years ago there was nowhere for her to receive the palliative care she needed. Before retiring I had worked for thirteen years in cancer research and understood the importance of the hospice movement.

When I heard the new Hospice opening and the need for more voluntary help, I thought this an ideal opportunity for me. I volunteer once a week in The Bistro to cover the busy lunch-time period. My work involves serving the food and drinks, helping to ensure the customers are served promptly, clearing the tables and taking payments. Having been involved since it opened it has been a pleasure to see it become more popular.

It was very gratifying that on my last shift we sold out of some items on the menu! I would advise anyone thinking of volunteering to contact the Hospice. There are many different roles and I am sure there is a position to suit most people. I believe that the volunteering I do enriches my life and I would advise anyone thinking of applying for a volunteer position to do so.