Banbury's Katharine House thanks its nearly 500 volunteers as part of National Volunteers' Week

Each year, the first week of June (1-7) is National Volunteers’ Week, where volunteers across the country are praised for their work.

A team of 490 volunteers have donated more than 33,540 hours to Katharine House over the past year, the equivalent of 894 full-time working weeks.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the day-to-day running of the hospice, helping in charity shops, supporting fundraising events, providing patient transport, assisting with bereavement services and welcoming visitors on reception.

The hospice's voluntary services team, led by voluntary services manager Jill Hill and voluntary service coordinator Louise Grant, work closely with volunteers to help them find meaningful and rewarding ways to get involved.

Jill Hill said: “Many people come to us with certain preconceptions about hospice volunteering, but those ideas are often quickly dispelled once they experience the warmth and positivity of our hospice community.

“Our amazing volunteers support the hospice in so many different ways. Whether it’s helping in our shops, supporting fundraising events, welcoming visitors on reception, driving patients to appointments or providing bereavement support, their contribution is invaluable.

“From everyone at Katharine House, we want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.”

As part of Volunteers' Week, the hospice is encouraging anyone interested in volunteering to find out more about the opportunities available and the difference they can make to local people and their families.

To find out more abour volunteering at Katharine House, visit: https://khh.org.uk/join-us/volunteer-with-us/volunteer-opportunities/