Home » News » Volunteers Week 2026

A celebration of our volunteers

Published on 27th May 2026
Volunteering Community AdultFamily

Let’s hear from Faith this Volunteers Week to see the true impact our volunteers have on our patients, charity and community.

Volunteers Week aspect ratio 790 400
Faith Head of Volunteering scaled aspect ratio 741 852

As we celebrate Volunteers Week 2026, I want to say a huge thank you to every single one of our incredible volunteers. Whether you give your time behind the scenes, on the road, in our shops, in the office, or side-by-side with the children, adults and families we support – you are the heart of Keech Hospice.

Each of you brings something unique. Together, you create the warm, calm and welcoming place our community counts on every day. Whether you’re gardening, driving patients or answering the phone, there are many hands that make light work across our hospice – your commitment shows what compassion in action truly looks like.

But, your stories say it best. Here’s what some of our volunteers had to say about their experience volunteering for Keech…

My son died at Keech, and we saw what a wonderful place it is. The garden was my sanctuary, so I wanted to volunteer because the garden helped me.
Katie, Volunteer Gardener
When I retired, I wanted to continue being a chaplain. I was really inspired by the amazing care – I started 2 and a half years ago and I’ve never looked back.
Catherine, Chaplain Volunteer
Once patients come to the hospice they say: “how could I be so stupid to think I wouldn’t like this” and I thought the same. You don’t go to a hospice to die; you go to live.
Pat, Volunteer Driver
I wasn’t sure if I could do it - but volunteering with Sparklers has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Keech isn’t what people expect - it’s full of warmth, laughter and hope.
Em, Sparklers Volunteer
My dad came to Keech to do art therapy because he loved it so much, I wanted to give something back to the hospice.
Pauline, Volunteer Receptionist
My dad died in a hospice, and he had a lovely peaceful death, so I wanted to do something meaningful. I worked as a community fundraiser previously, so I wanted to volunteer in a role that felt like me while giving back to the community.
Gemma, Fundraising Volunteer

These moments capture what you bring to Keech every single day – generosity, humour, wisdom, care and heart. You make Keech feel like home.

To those of you who already give your time: thank you.

To those who have shown interest during Volunteer Week: we’re so glad you’ve connected with us.

And to those I haven’t met yet but will: I’m looking forward to welcoming you into the Keech family when the time is right for you.

Volunteers Week is our chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who help our community live and die well. And that’s you.

Thank you for making the difference – this week and every week.

Want to find out more about volunteering?

If you’re interested in any volunteering – whether you’re an individual looking for a new challenge, or perhaps a team day out for your business – then take a look at our volunteering opportunities at Keech.

Volunteer with us
Soilex group scaled e1752222531473 aspect ratio 400 300