Helping People Live Life Through Friendship – John’s Story

John from Winsford, has been a volunteer Befriender with us for 15 years. Today, he’s regularly spending time with Paul, who is currently staying on our In-Patient Unit.

John and Paul have become great friends, and Paul always looks forward to visiting the Hospice when he comes for respite care.

“Paul treats it like he’s coming on holiday; he loves it here. He’ll phone me when he wants a chat and some weeks I’ll give him a call. He wants to know all about my family, and our friendship has gone from strength to strength. It’s ideal really. I feel like I’ve made his day a little better, and I get a lot of satisfaction from that.”

Volunteering runs in the family for John. Alongside his wife, Olwen, and their daughter, Katie, they have supported St Luke’s in a variety of ways over the years, including helping at events such as the Midnight Walk and Twilight Walk. Olwen also volunteers on the Hospice reception.

Over the years, John has built meaningful relationships with many people through befriending. One experience that particularly stands out is supporting a gentleman who hadn’t left his home for 18 months.

“After a few less-than-successful trips to the lake and the garden centre, we eventually ended up at Wetherspoons in Winsford. We sat by the front window and he absolutely loved it. He turned to me and said, ‘You don’t realise how much good this is doing me. I haven’t been out of the house in 18 months.'”

For John, befriending is a truly rewarding experience.

“You’re helping people live their lives through others. I’ll meet someone and their face will light up. It’s also about giving people the opportunity to get things off their chest and letting them know they have someone they can trust.”

Could you be a friendly face when it matters most? 🫂😊

We’re currently updating our befriending service, with new referrals receiving support from a volunteer Befriender for a 12-week period. This approach will help make the service accessible to more people who could benefit from it.

Find out more: https://slhospice.co.uk/volunteer/