Each year, Hospice Isle of Man’s volunteers contribute thousands of hours, in patient care, in fundraising, in the shops that support the service, and in countless behind-the-scenes roles. In 2024 alone, volunteers saved the charity £931,303. But the true value of their efforts cannot be measured in numbers alone. They are retired teachers, young students, busy professionals, and caring neighbours. Each brings their own unique experience and energy, yet all are bound by a shared belief: that every person deserves dignity, comfort, and compassion at the end of life. As one volunteer explained, ‘I feel like I’m making a difference, helping people who are going through the worst of times.’ Yet too often, their contributions can be overlooked.

Hospice volunteers demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to service. Whether individuals offer their time, heart, or specific professional talents, hospice volunteering embraces a remarkable diversity of skills, showing that any contribution is invaluable.

In the final chapters of life compassion is not just a comfort; it is an essential component of the care on offer. At Hospice Isle of Man, that compassion is given freely, tenderly and without expectation of recognition, by the volunteers who stand quietly at the heart of its work.

Hospice care is about dignity, presence, and ensuring no one faces life’s most profound journey alone. The compassionate, expert medical care delivered by the doctors and nurses is complemented by the volunteers, who are essential in providing the comforting presence of companionship, whether that means holding a hand, listening to a life story, or offering a reassuring smile. Whether this is through visiting the patients in their rooms directly or being the first person that a family member sees on reception as they enter the building for the first time. The acts they carry out may seem small, but they are immeasurable to patients and families alike.

As a community, we owe them our gratitude. We must also recognise that hospice volunteering is not simply about giving, it is about belonging. ‘I feel that I belong – that is very important to me,’ said one volunteer, capturing the sense of connection shared by many. Volunteers frequently speak of the privilege of walking alongside families in difficult times, of learning perspective, and of being reminded of what truly matters in life. As another volunteer shared, ‘Volunteering for Hospice is a good, worthwhile way to spend any spare time one may have - whether it’s hours, days, weeks or months, every minute counts towards maintaining this worthwhile cause. You can get more back from being a volunteer than you ever think you could.’

Hospice Isle of Man has recently seen a rise in volunteers who not only give their time but also lend their expertise to larger projects, work that makes a lasting difference to the charity and those it serves. One notable example is the installation of a new polytunnel in the Hospice gardens, overseen and carried out by volunteers. Projects like this would normally carry significant costs, but thanks to the dedication and know-how of volunteers, they are completed at a fraction of the price.

Many of these volunteers bring with them skills they have developed through their careers or personal lives - whether in construction, gardening, project management, or technical trades. By sharing their knowledge, they ensure that Hospice Isle of Man can channel more of its resources directly into patient care rather than overheads. This growing network of skilled volunteers demonstrates the power of community in action. By stepping forward and using their talents for good, they are helping Hospice Isle of Man continue its mission: To provide excellent palliative and end of life care.

Behind the scenes of Hospice, corporate volunteers are also playing a vital role. Not only are they helping to fill essential roles, but they also bring energy, skills and connections that benefit Hospice in ways beyond just labour.

Corporate volunteering gives companies a way to give back, strengthen team bonds, and fulfil their community or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. For the charity, engaging corporate employee groups provides crucial staffing and resources at key times, reducing costs and preventing project delays. Just this year, Hospice has had various corporates join them across many in-house initiatives.

Corporate volunteering isn’t just a “nice thing to do”; it’s an investment in community wellbeing and in sustaining essential services. For Hospice Isle of Man, every hour given to sorting stock in the shops, every gardening team repainting fences, every corporate fundraising scheme adds up - not just in value, but in the compassion and visibility they bring. Local businesses stepping forward are often unsung heroes, and their contribution deserves recognition.

It is easy to forget that Hospice care relies not only on skilled staff, but on the time, kindness, and commitment of ordinary people who choose to give something extraordinary. Hospice Isle of Man is always looking for new volunteers to join its team, whether you can give a few hours a week, lend your skills to a project, or support events and shops. If you would like to make a real difference in your community, visit www.hospice.org.im/volunteers or contact the Hospice volunteering team on 651654.