For Robbie Isabel Hospice was a click in the right direction.
In October 2017, behind a kitchen sink in Christchurch Baptist, Robbie was chatting with Isabel Hospices’ former CEO, discussing his upcoming secondment and what he could do with 3 months paid leave. (In 2000 John Lewis set up the Golden Jubilee Trust enabling John Lewis Partners to conduct paid volunteering work for a charity of choice. The scheme varied in length and commitment depending on how many John Lewis Partners wished to participate.)
Aware of the invaluable work that Isabel Hospice carries out in eastern Hertfordshire, Robbie saw a natural synergy with Isabel Hospices’ IT department, even though he could have chosen to work in any department across the charity.
On arrival Robbie visited all 15 shops, Head Office, the In-Patient Unit, and Living Well Centre at Hall Grove to gain a good understanding of where he could add value. He also visited Isabel Hospice’s out-sourced IT support company and saw how they dealt with our varied requirements; purchase platforms for the shops, head office internal systems and of course our In-Patient Unit, whose reliance on IT is paramount.
Robbie took great pleasure in instigating the Computer Tips Club consisting of regular tips emailed to all staff on how to work smarter; secret short cuts and keyboard strokes etc. which was hugely appreciated by all. After 3 months of working with Isabel Hospice, Robbie returned to John Lewis.
Now working on reduced hours before his final retirement Robbie has returned to Isabel Hospice one day a week where he hopes to continue giving invaluable support for as long he is needed.
Robbie is one of so many vital volunteers at Isabel Hospice, without whom we could not operate. Robbie said “Come in and see us – there are so many areas you can support – it is not all physical in case some people might be worried they will have to drive a van. Maybe because of the job you have, you might want to do something different. Or, people have skills they might feel they can use and fill a gap. If you come to us and say, ‘what can I do to help support you’ between us we will find a purpose.”
If you would like to get involved with Isabel Hospice our next volunteer information session is on Tuesday 18th July 2023 starting at 5.30pm at Living Well Community Hub, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4PH. Please allow up to two hours. There is free parking onsite and refreshments will be available.
