SUE Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice this year marked 10 years of its volunteer befriending service.
Long-serving volunteer Christine Roberts reflected on the friendships she’s built through the organisation, and the impact of giving her time.
“When I heard it had been ten years, I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Christine has been volunteering since day one.
She spoke about her inspiration: “I saw an article in the local paper looking for befrienders and just said, ‘why not?’
My mum had Alzheimer’s, and my dad struggled with ill health.
I wish someone could have visited them, but there wasn’t anything like that available. Now I can give other people that opportunity.
And I know that if I was ever in that position, I’d appreciate a visit too.”
Christine’s befriending relationships have grown into something much more than visits.
“I’ve been seeing one of my befriendees for seven years now,” she said.
“We go for coffee in a neighbouring village, and I’ve known her so long, I regard her as a friend.
“Her daughter and granddaughter live with her, and I’ve got to know them too.
“Her granddaughter always makes me cards for Mother’s Day – I feel like part of the family.”
Another befriendee, who had cancer, wanted to go out but wasn’t able to drive. Christine helped make that happen.
“We’d go on day trips – to Kew Gardens and local garden centres,” Christine said.
“It gave her some much-needed fresh air and a new perspective on life.
“One day, I got a phone call from her daughter to say that she’d sadly died.
“I’m aware from the outset that people have a finite amount of time, and I’m often invited to the funerals, which is a real privilege.”
Christine also volunteers at Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Spaces, where people who’ve experienced loss come together to find comfort.
“It sounds morbid,” she said, “but there’s a lot of laughter at the table – and I’ve made new friends there too.”
Reflecting on ten years of befriending, Christine said: “It’s hard work at times, but so rewarding.
“It’s my ‘me time’.
“I get out of the house, make someone’s day a little better, and feel valued.
“I may be knocking on the door of 80, but I can still be useful.”
Natasha Saunders, volunteer team manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “Celebrating ten years of befriending at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice this year, has been a fantastic milestone.
“Our volunteers make a real difference, offering companionship, comfort, and a friendly face when it’s needed most.
“The impact they have is invaluable.
“Volunteering with Sue Ryder isn’t just about befriending – we have a wide range of opportunities, from supporting healthcare teams to helping behind the scenes.
“If you’re looking to give back, meet new people, and be part of something truly rewarding, we’d love to hear from you.”
For information about volunteering at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, people should contact Amanda.Dean@sueryder.org
