Always booked and busy, Bruno is a volunteer who lives to give back.
Bruno is a man who juggles his time very well. After being introduced to Isabel Hospice through his wife following his retirement, he met with the Volunteering Office to discuss the opportunities. What attracted him most was hosting Reception at the In-Patient Unit (IPU) at the Hospice on an ad-hoc basis.
He was very happy to fill in the gaps when regular volunteers weren’t available, as due to other commitments he couldn’t commit to a regular slot. When Covid broke, Bruno generously recognised that there may be several vulnerable volunteers that could no longer leave their home, so he was more than happy to pick up extra shifts. This meant that not only was he supporting Isabel Hospice, but as he could walk from home, he had a legitimate reason to be outside, keeping himself useful and occupied during the pandemic. In his voluntary role Bruno picked up on many details in the day-to-day life of the In-Patient Unit, where compassion and care are of the utmost importance. He learnt, for example, the discreet, subtle communication methods that the Isabel Hospice staff use to communicate that someone has recently died so that everyone is able to act appropriately around their loved ones.
Bruno particularly likes the rota system used by IPU volunteers. He has a colour-coded google calendar on his phone showing which shifts are available. It’s then just a simple task to check the rota once or twice a week selecting which shifts he can commit to or respond to an urgent WhatsApp SOS!
Spare time isn’t really a word Bruno understands. When not at the Hospice he has three other loves: his wife, his children, and his motorbike! He coaches motorcyclists on how to pass their advanced motorcycling test and also volunteers for SERV blood bikes – couriering blood products across the Southeast. He also collects frozen donor (breast) milk from new mums in their homes and Herts Milk Bank to deliver to neo natal units for new mothers, who, for example, are undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy and cannot give their milk to their new-borns.
He is also the proud owner of, of our Isabel Hospice Therapy dog, Riley.
“Just do it” is Bruno’s message to everyone who is considering volunteering. “It’s really rewarding and there is a great friendly team at the Hospice.”
Riley, Isabel Hospice’s Superdog!
At 2 years old, Riley is Isabel Hospice’s youngest volunteer (our minimum age is 14 for DoE participants) and one of two Therapy dogs. His official title is Isabel Hospice Therapy Dog, but affectionately amongst the Hospice he is referred to as our ‘PAT dog’ – after all who doesn’t want to pat a dog?!
Before Riley became a regular visitor to the Hospice, his temperament and well-being for therapy work was assessed and approved by Therapy Dogs Nationwide. This is a similar process to our human volunteers as it is paramount that everyone is safe in their work so full training is provided for all volunteering roles. Riley is insured and kept in the best of health, groomed regularly to ensure he is clean and fresh for work. His yellow ‘work’ collar is a signal that it is time for work, not a walk!
Riley visits the Hospice on average twice a week. Once he has had a good sniff, he enjoys sharing the fuss from a patient, a family member or friend, or settles down simply giving a cuddle to those who need some quiet time for reflection.
As well as visiting Isabel Hospice, Riley has become a bit of local superstar appearing in our Together We Volunteer film and is a regular visitor to local retirement homes where he has been the feature of a quiz!
When not wearing his work collar, Riley enjoys chasing squirrels and of course a few snoozes!
Ask why Riley loves volunteering, he replied “woof”. Well, he would, wouldn’t he?!
If you are curious about exploring our volunteering opportunities at the In-Patient Unit, or other areas of the Hospice across East Herts, our next 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. Please email volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk or call 01707 382500 #5.
