Volunteers are an essential part of Hospice Tairāwhiti.  They play a crucial role within the organisation and are highly valued and appreciated alongside our paid staff.  Volunteer contributions enhance the services we can offer patients, family and whānau.

All volunteers are supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteering opportunities within Hospice Tairāwhiti include:

Hospice Shop

The Hospice Shop supports the work of Hospice Tairāwhiti, raising funds to ensure services remain free of charge to patients and families. There are shop floor and back of the shop volunteer roles to suit all personalities. The behind-the-scenes roles include - sorting, cleaning and preparing donated items for sale. The front of shop roles can include; stock control, customer service, till/EFTPOS, shop tidiness and presentation. 

Patient and Family Support

Volunteers   working in this area provide companionship for patients and time out for caregivers in the patient’s own home.

Work in this area is patient/whānau driven and tailored to the individual needs. No more than two hours are expected on any given day.

Volunteers working in this area will be given additional training prior to commencing duties and receive ongoing support.

Biography Service

Our biography service offers patients the chance to document significant times in their lives and leave a lasting legacy for their whānau.

There are opportunities for volunteers to work directly with patients and/or be involved in the typing and final production of the biography.

Volunteers working in this area will be given additional training prior to commencing duties.

Hospice Hosts

The Hospice Hosts are the greeters for all our visitors, a welcome friendly face and support to those who are visiting our service. There are some basic admin tasks, some telephone support and other tasks to assist with the smooth running of our services and building. Two Hosts are rostered on for each morning and each afternoon shift throughout the week.  

Fundraising

Throughout the year various fundraising events are organised by, or held for, the benefit of Hospice. These events can offer volunteers a chance to get involved in casual and short-term special event volunteering, where tasks and times are variable.

Hospice Unit

Volunteers assist in our two bedded unit in Gisborne Hospital by ensuring that the area is tidy and welcoming, and that the refreshment area is well stocked. This role can also include speaking to patients who are using the rooms as well as their visiting family members.

Songsters Group

Our volunteer Songsters have a regular monthly roster of visits planned for local rest homes and aged care facilities. This group of volunteers provide entertainment through singing and engagement to those living or attending the services. Each singing visit usually lasts for one hour. Our Songsters can choose which facilities they wish to sing in if they have a preference.

Youth Ambassador Programme

Working within local high schools our youth ambassadors spread the word of Hospice, engage in event volunteering, and learn and develop community connections. We support and encourage youth aged from 14 years to join our volunteer programme.

Bakers

Our volunteer bakers provide us with biscuits, simple slices or loaves – nothing too fancy and not necessary in large amounts. These donated baked goods are taken to our Hospice patients and their whānau. Become a frequent baker or donate when you have the time.

Volunteer Services Support

There are many volunteering options to choose from, including volunteering from home. This could be assisting with newsletters, proof reading, knitting or sewing, flower arranging or IT skills, to name a few. We are open to discuss other potential services and opportunities and welcome ideas from our volunteers.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Want to know more? 

Hospice Tairāwhiti is built on a bedrock of volunteering. If you have a specific skill set you would like to volunteer please get in touch, this list is not exhaustive.

Email hospice@hospicetairawhiti.org.nz and a time will be arranged to meet with you and discuss volunteering opportunities at Hospice Tairāwhiti.