Celebrating the Heart of Hospice Care During National Volunteering Week

Galway Hospice Foundation proudly celebrated National Volunteering Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of the 158 volunteers who support hospice services across both sites — including 118 volunteers in Galway and 40 in Mayo.

Throughout the week, Galway and Mayo Hospices marked National Volunteering Week by celebrating the extraordinary people whose kindness, generosity, and compassion help make every moment matter within hospice care. Coffee mornings were held at both sites as a small gesture of appreciation for the volunteers who give their time so selflessly throughout the year.

This year’s National Volunteering Week theme, “From Every Corner, For Every Cause,” resonated deeply within the hospice community, where volunteers from all walks of life come together with one shared purpose: supporting patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Volunteers play a vital role across both hospices, supporting reception areas, day care services, patient transport, meal delivery, fundraising activities, administration, and many other aspects of hospice life. Beyond practical support, they also offer something equally valuable — presence, warmth, conversation, and human connection.

Noreen Glennon, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, said: “National Volunteering Week is all about recognising our incredible volunteers who keep everything running with smiles, patience, and a sense of service that inspires us all.”

Galway volunteer Gerry reflected on the friendships and sense of purpose volunteering has brought into his life: “Once I come in that door in the morning and go home in the evening, all my troubles are parked outside,” he shared. “It’s just a wonderful place — wonderful staff, wonderful volunteers, overall wonderful people.”

For many volunteers, the experience is also deeply meaningful on a personal level. Ann Marie Jordan, who has volunteered with Mayo Hospice for over four years, described hospice volunteering as “something very special.”

“I’ve become part of a truly beautiful and supportive community,” she said. “Even small gestures, like a smile or a calm conversation, can make a real difference to someone who might be going through a difficult experience. It’s an honour to play even a small part in supporting patients, families, and staff in such a caring environment.”

As National Volunteering Week comes to a close, Galway Hospice Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to every volunteer whose kindness, compassion, and generosity continue to make such a meaningful difference every day.

Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice Foundation, thanked volunteers for the profound impact they have on patients, families, and staff: “You are truly at the heart of our hospice community, giving us the fantastic gift of your time, and helping us ensure that every moment truly matters for the patients and families who use our services. Thank you.”