Volunteer Roles

As a Volunteer Receptionist at the Galway or Mayo Hospice, you will be the welcoming face and first point of contact for patients, families and loved ones, making an essential contribution to the warm and supportive environment we strive to create.

Your duties will include greeting patients, their families and loved ones, managing incoming calls, and directing enquiries with professionalism and compassion. You’ll be responsible for  familiarising yourself with general reception duties, and handling various queries, all while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.

Additionally, you will play a key role in managing the reception area, ensuring visitors feel comfortable and well-guided.

This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the hospice, where you will interact with patients, families and loved ones, staff, and the wider community, offering crucial support during their time with us. Your contribution as a Volunteer Receptionist is vital, as first impressions can last a lifetime, and your ability to provide a friendly, courteous, and professional service will help make the experience at Galway or Mayo Hospice a positive one for everyone involved.

This position is perfect for someone who is organised, empathetic, and enjoys being a key player in a caring and dynamic environment. You’ll receive full training, including mandatory fire safety and confidentiality protocols, to ensure you are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact in this rewarding role.

As a Volunteer IPU (Inpatient Unit) Assistant at Galway Hospice Foundation, you will
play a crucial and heartwarming role in ensuring that our patients receive the utmost
care and attention during their stay by assisting staff in the delivery of the patient’s
lunch. Working closely with the restaurant staff, you will stay informed about each
patient’s dietary needs, ensuring their meals are prepared and delivered with care.
Your responsibilities will include setting up meal trays, refreshing water jugs (if
requested), and delivering lunches, all while providing a warm, supportive presence
that lets patients know they are truly cared for.

Beyond meal delivery, you will be a friendly and compassionate face for patients,
greeting them with a friendly smile. Should you notice any concerns or additional support needs, you’ll promptly communicate these to the nursing staff, ensuring that
every patient receives the attention they deserve. Your dedication will help create a
safe, pleasant, and welcoming environment, making a meaningful difference in the
daily lives of the patients. This position is perfect for someone who is empathetic, attentive to detail, and passionate about making a positive impact.

By volunteering as an IPU Assistant, you will be part of a loving and dedicated team, ensuring that
each patient experiences the highest standard of care and comfort during their time
with us.

11am – 1pm, Weds – Thus

As a Volunteer Hairdresser in the In-patient Unit at the Galway Hospice, you will have the opportunity to make a significant and personal impact on the well-being of our patients through the power of compassionate care. Your role involves much more than just hairdressing; it’s about bringing comfort, dignity, and a relaxation to the patient.

Your duties will include providing hair care services such as washing, cutting, blow- drying all while ensuring the utmost safety and comfort of the patient. You will always consult with the nursing staff before starting any hair care to understand the request.

Beyond the technical aspects, your friendly and compassionate presence will help patients feel valued and cared for during a time when such personal interactions mean so much.

By volunteering as a Hairdresser, you’ll be offering a service that greatly enhances the quality of life for our patients, making you an integral part of their care team.

This role is perfect for someone who is skilled, compassionate, and eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through the art of hairdressing.

As an Evening Drinks Volunteer at the Galway Hospice Foundation, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to bring comfort and a personal touch to the patients and their loved ones through a simple but meaningful gesture – offering refreshments.

Your role involves not just serving drinks, but also brightening a patient’s evening with a warm smile and your kind presence. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be a valued member of the hospice team, ensuring that each patient’s needs are met with care and attention.

As you make your rounds, you’ll offer tea, coffee, and biscuits to patients and their families and loved ones, ensuring that everyone feels cared for and respected. Your role also includes refreshing water jugs (if requested), and most importantly, being a friendly, supportive presence for those who may need it most.

This role is perfect for someone who is compassionate, attentive, and enjoys making a difference through small acts of kindness. By volunteering as an Evening Drinks Assistant, you’ll play a crucial part in creating a warm, welcoming environment where patients and their families and loved ones feel valued and supported. Your efforts will help ensure that the care provided at the hospice goes beyond medical needs, offering a sense of comfort and connection to all those you serve.

** Volunteer Day Care is scheduled for two days (Tuesday & Wednesday in Mayo Hospice) Wednesday & Friday in Galway Hospice)

As a Volunteer Day Care Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patients. Your day will involve greeting and engaging with patients, offering companionship through conversation and activities like bingo, and providing support during lunch and prayer services.

This role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in hospice care, fostering a sense of community and comfort. You’ll also assist in maintaining a safe and pleasant environment, with opportunities to connect deeply with patients and staff alike.

By joining us, you’ll become an integral part of our team, contributing to the positive atmosphere that makes our Day Care Unit a special place. Volunteers are expected assist with additional tasks as needed.

This rewarding role is perfect for someone who values compassion, enjoys social interaction, and wants to make a real
difference in others’ lives.

As a Volunteer Hairdresser at Galway or Mayo Hospice, you will have the opportunity to make a significant and personal impact on the well-being of our patients through the power of compassionate care.

Your role involves much more than just hairdressing; it’s about bringing comfort, dignity, and a relaxation to the patient.

Your duties will include providing hair care services such as washing, cutting, blow- drying all while ensuring the utmost safety and comfort of the patient.

You will always consult with the nursing staff before starting any hair care, so to understand the request.

Beyond the technical aspects, your friendly and compassionate presence will help patients feel valued and cared for during a time when such personal interactions mean so much.

By volunteering as a Hairdresser, you’ll be offering a service that greatly enhances the quality of life for our patients, making you an integral part of their care team.

This role is perfect for someone who is skilled, compassionate, and eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through the art of hairdressing.

As a Volunteer Nail Technician, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our patients through compassionate and personalised care.

Your role extends beyond just providing nail treatments; it’s about bringing comfort, dignity, and a sense of normality to those in the care of the Galway or Mayo Hospice.

Your duties will include providing nail care services while ensuring the utmost safety and comfort of the patient. You will always consult with the nursing staff before starting any nail treatment to understand what is being requested.

Beyond the technical aspects, your warm and compassionate presence will help patients feel valued and cared for during a time when such personal interactions are deeply appreciated.

By volunteering as a Nail Technician, you’ll be offering a service that greatly enhances the quality of life for our patients, making you an integral part of their care experience.

This role is perfect for someone who is skilled, empathetic, and eager to make a positive difference in the lives of others through thoughtful, hands-on care.

As a Volunteer Day Care Physiotherapist at the Galway or Mayo Hospice, you will
have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on both patients and staff
by providing invaluable support to our dedicated physiotherapy team. In this role, you
will assist the staff physiotherapist in delivering personalised care that enhances the
physical well-being and overall quality of life for the patients. Your involvement will
help ensure that each patient receives the attention and care they need and comfort.
Working closely under the guidance of the staff physiotherapist, you will assist with
various physiotherapy activities. Your support will allow the staff physiotherapist to
focus on providing more in-depth care, knowing that you are there to help with the
essential day-to-day tasks. This collaboration not only enhances the patient
experience but also contributes to the smooth and efficient operation of our day care
services.

This role is perfect for someone with a passion for hospice care and who wants to
make a difference in the lives of others. By volunteering as a Physiotherapist
Assistant, you’ll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving the well-
being of the patients. Your efforts will bring comfort, support, and hope to those in
your care, making this a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

As a Volunteer Day Care Driver at the Galway or Mayo Hospice, you will play a
crucial role in ensuring that our patients are transported safely and comfortably to
and from the hospice. Your primary responsibility is to provide timely and secure
transportation, offering peace of mind to both patients and their families and their loved ones.

You will also assist with transporting essential items, such as blood
samples and other approved items, to and from local hospitals as needed.

This position is perfect for someone who is reliable, safety-conscious, and enjoys
making a direct impact on the lives of others. Your contribution will help ensure that
patients receive the care they need, while your attention to detail and commitment to
safety will provide a crucial service to the hospice. By volunteering as a Day Care Driver, you’ll be an integral part of the team, providing essential support that enhances the overall experience for the patients and the smooth operation of our services.

As a Volunteer Bus Escort, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and
comfort of the patients during their transportation to and from the hospice to their homes.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in with Daycare staff. Your primary responsibility is to assist in creating a safe and pleasant environment on the bus, sitting with patients, offering conversation, and most importantly, listening to their story. You will support the driver by helping to ensure that wheelchair patients have safely entered the transport using the ramp (if necessary) and assist mobile patients as they enter and exit the bus.

This role is ideal for someone who values safety, enjoys interacting with others, and wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the patients. By volunteering as a Bus Escort, you’ll be providing essential care during a key part of our patients day, contributing to their overall well-being and ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey. Your presence will help create a comforting and secure experience, making a real difference in their lives.

As a Bereavement Service Volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to provide vital support to families and their loved ones during one of the most sensitive times in their lives.

Under the guidance of the Pastoral Care Chaplain and other staff members, you’ll help create a comforting environment by setting up and preparing areas for the Bereavement Service, ensuring everything is arranged with care. Your role will involve greeting and directing family members, offering a warm and empathetic presence that makes them feel welcome and supported.

During the service, you’ll assist with practical tasks such as serving refreshments, ensuring that the families and their loved ones feel cared for throughout their visit.

After the service, you’ll help tidy the area ensuring that the room/restaurant is put back to its original state for users the next day. This role is perfect for someone who is compassionate, attentive, and looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

By volunteering, you’ll be providing essential comfort to families and loved ones during a challenging time, becoming an integral part of the Galway Hospice community.

Your involvement will ensure that families and their loved ones experience the care and support they need, and you’ll gain the rewarding experience of helping others in a deeply impactful way.

As a Volunteer Inpatient Companion, you have the unique opportunity to offer meaningful support and companionship to the patient, making a real difference in their lives.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to give back to the community by providing comfort and care to those who may be feeling isolated or in need of a friendly presence.

Your involvement can range from helping patients with small tasks like writing lists or finishing a craft project to simply sitting quietly with them, offering a sense of peace and companionship.

Whether you’re reading aloud, playing cards, or engaging in a creative activity like knitting, your presence will bring joy and comfort to those who need it most. We warmly welcome volunteers who speak additional languages, as this can be an incredible asset in connecting with our diverse patient community. However, please don’t let this deter you if you don’t speak another language – your time, kindness, and willingness to help are the most important qualities we seek.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way, creating lasting connections and enriching the lives of others through simple, heartfelt gestures.

Galway Hospice offers a community volunteer program aimed at providing companionship and support to patients experiencing challenging illnesses in their own homes. Volunteers play a vital role in reducing social isolation by engaging in activities such as providing transportation to social events, participating in games and crafts, and offering a warm, supportive presence to enhance patients well-being and quality of life.

This mutually beneficial program is designed to be enjoyable for both patients and volunteers.

Volunteers work independently but are supported with training, supervision, and access to the support team as needed.

This role is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, reliable, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the community by supporting those in need through companionship and social interaction.