Seven volunteers honoured at hospice awards

Seven volunteers at Oakhaven Hospice have been honoured at the 2024 Volunteer Achievement Awards for their exceptional contributions.

The recognition came during National Volunteers Week, which runs from the June 1 to 7, giving Oakhaven Hospice an opportunity to express its gratitude to more than 430 volunteers who lend their skills and time.

The accolades were bestowed at a special afternoon tea held in a marquee within the hospice's gardens.

Melville Kendal, Oakhaven's chair of trustees, made heartfelt thanks to all volunteers for their offerings, helping at the hospice, assisting in patients' homes across the New Forest, Totton and Waterside community, and supporting the charity's shops.

Mr Kendal said: "We really appreciate everything that our Volunteers do. THANK YOU for helping Oakhaven to make every moment matter."

Throughout the week leading to the event, both staff and volunteers were given the chance to submit nominations for the yearly Volunteer Achievement Awards, aligned with the trust's values of compassion, accountability, respect and empathy.

An additional award acknowledging individual achievement was also presented.

Apart from local recognition, all seven awardees received the Room To Reward Award for being hidden heroes of Oakhaven.

Room to Reward, a charity that recognises extraordinary volunteers, partners with hotels across the UK to provide complimentary one- or two-night stays to selected nominees.

Oakhaven is continuously on the lookout for more compassionate individuals eager to volunteer in various roles.

Andrew Ryde, chief executive, said: "In total 42 volunteers were nominated by staff and other volunteers, with a number being nominated by more than one person. This shows how important and well-regarded our volunteers are.

"They all do an amazing job to support Oakhaven and it was a very difficult task to determine the winners of each category, as so many had done something that was over and above their usual role."

The 2024 winners of the Oakhaven Hospice Volunteer Achievement Awards were as follows: - The Award for Compassion was presented to Sarah Groake, an Oakhaven Neighbour. - The Award for Accountability was presented to Mike Hutchinson, a PAT test volunteer at the Oakhaven Fairview shop - The Award for Respect was presented to Alison and John Homer, who have volunteered for the fundraising team since 2012. - The Award for Empathy was presented to Isobella King-Holford (known as Nugs), an Oakhaven Neighbour. Awards for Individual Achievement were awarded to two volunteers: - Rosemary Popple, a volunteer at Oakhaven’s Totton shop. - Terry Blackmore, who volunteers on Inpatient Unit Reception, at the Lymington Donation Station and with the fundraising department.