Volunteers are an important part of the hospice ethos. They can help out in a variety of ways and they add considerably to the quality of the service we provide. They contribute more than time, they are a valuable resource, helping to enhance the friendly, relaxed atmosphere we strive to create.
Volunteering at the Adult Hospice, Somerton House
Opportunities for volunteering at Northern Ireland Hospice Care include: day hospice, in-patient unit, visitor tea bar, reception, driving, gardening, flower arranging, library duties and clerical work. There are other roles available for those with special interests and skills such as music or hairdressing to name but a few.
Volunteering at the Children's Hospice at Horizon House House
The children's hospice has plenty of opportunities for volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help out in areas such as: reception, administration, gardening, kitchen duties and the hydrotherapy pool and also with driving and family support.
Volunteering in the Community
We have five volunteer teams in Belfast, Ballymoney, Mid Ulster, North Down/Ards and Ballymena. Volunteers working in these areas provide back up to our Hospice Nurse Specialists who look after paitents in thier own homes. Typcial duties would be: home visiting, befriending, driving, shopping and outings. In addition we have a day facility based in Robinson Hospital in Ballymoney where volunteers contribute to the care and recreational activities.
Volunteering in a Hospice Shop
Shop volunteers assit in helping to raise funds for hospice care and there is always plenty to do in the shops. Working as part of a team, volunteering in a charity shop offers an opportunity to help in many ways such as: sorting and pricing stock, arranging displays, operating the till, basic accounts and customer care.
Our shops are located throughout Northern Ireland in: Antrim, Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Bangor, Coleraine, Larne and Magherafelt, and in Belfast at: Ballyhackamore, Twin Spires Centre, Ormeau Road, Shankill Road and Glengormley Address details can be found in the Hospice Shop section.
Volunteer Representatives
We urgently require volunteers who will act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland Hospice Care in the community. Volunteer Representatives represent Northern Ireland Hospice Care at cheque presentations, fundraising events and speaking engagements.
If you are interested in becoming involved contact the Volunteer Manager today. Full training will be provided and you will have the opportunity to see at first hand the work taking place at the Adult and Children's Hospices.
We are particularly interested in applicants from outside the Greater Belfast area who are free during the day and who would be interested in encouraging and supporting fundraising efforts with schools.
Who can be a volunteer ?
Anyone between 18 (16 for shops) and 75 who has a little time to spare, and would like to use it for the benefit of Northern Ireland Hospice Care can be a volunteer. Working hours are flexible to allow for other commitments.
Service volunteers will be required to do induction training whilst other volunteers can learn on the job. References will be requested when you apply to become a volunteer.
Who should you contact ?
Volunteers are always valued at Northern Ireland Hospice Care, and their help supports an extremely worthwhile cause. You will meet new people, make new friends, be part of a team and learn skills.
For further information on volunteering, or to request an application form, please contact the Volunteer Manager on (028) 90 781836 or email:
Support Groups
You can also help promote Northern Ireland Hospice Care in your area and raise much needed funds by joining one of the following hospice Support Groups:
How You Can Help 
