cAre in tHe coMMunitY
The Dove Centre:
Volunteers
The contribution of the
volunteers is crucial to the
work of the Dove Centre. They
welcome visitors, host groups
and carry out a variety of
behind-the-scenes tasks, from
shopping to fl ower-arranging.
“Volunteers are extremely
important to the Dove Centre,”
says co-ordinator Peter Darling.
“They are often the fi rst point
of contact for people coming
through the door, and the warm
welcome they provide sets the
tone for everything else we do.”
The team includes volunteers
of all ages, off ering a huge range
of skills. “We are proud to be an
all-age, all gender volunteering
organisation,” says Peter. “We try
to make the most of what each
individual can off er, listening
to their ideas and supporting
them. We also want to ensure
that they get something
back for their contribution,
whether that is companionship
or experience that will
help them in a future career.”
this month, we fi nd out about the work of the dove
centre’s volunteers.
We asked a selection of volunteers
to share their thoughts
on what being a Dove Centre
volunteer means to them.
“To me, volunteering is an
opportunity to meet and
stand alongside others from
di erent walks of life and
at di erent stages on life’s
journey. It can be humbling
as you learn a good deal
from others’ experiences. It
can also be life-a rming as
you witness the strength of
some who despite their own
issues still enjoy their life,
exhibiting in some instances
exceptional courage. To
me it is a privilege, one I
would not like to give up.”
“Being a volunteer at the Dove
Centre has been a life-saver for
me. I really enjoy coming to
the centre to help others. I’ve
also made lots of new friends.”
“As a volunteer at the Dove
Centre I feel valued in that
I’m given the opportunity
to use my skills and knowledge
to help others.”
“Coming to the Dove Centre,
from the high school on Friday
mornings to help out with a
men’s group is one of my highlights
of the week. It’s always
good patter with good people.
Helping others is important
to me. I also learn from the
interesting people I’m meeting.”
“Wonderful, peaceful space
with wonderful staff and therapists.
Lovely to be able to volunteer
in this lovely atmosphere.”
“Volunteering at the Dove
Centre is very rewarding as it is
great to be part of an organisation
that provides wonderful
service. It’s great to be part of a
team that provides real benefi t
to people with the variety of services,
support and help on off er.”
The Dove Centre is the
home of Oban Hospice and
is open every weekday from
9am to 5pm, providing help,
companionship and advice
on site, and in the community,
for those with life-limiting
illnesses and their families. To
nd out more, to volunteer, or
make a donation, go to obanhospice.
org.uk or nd Oban
Hospice Limited on Facebook.
8 | april 2020