Finding Purpose in a Challenging Time: Mark’s Volunteering Story

Volunteering is an essential part of any charity, and KEMP Hospice is no exception. Our volunteers can come from anywhere, for any reason, and there are a wide variety of roles we need to fill. One volunteer who took to volunteering is Mark.

Mark joined KEMP at a pivotal point in his life, as he had to take some time off work, which is when his boss suggested trying volunteering and felt it was important for his mental health to stay active and busy while he couldn’t continue his usual routine.

“I’m local, from Kidderminster. I think most people in the Wyre Forest area know KEMP. I had done the KEMP Firewalk back in October 2022 and then subsequently did another in October 2024. I thought if I was going to volunteer, it would naturally be for KEMP.”

Mark started volunteering at the Distribution Centre, where he helped our van driver pick up furniture, make deliveries and transfer items between the shops and the Donation Centre. “One of my fears at work is being the new person. It’s daunting, very daunting. But everyone made me feel very welcome. You’ve got these lovely members of staff working for KEMP, and they treat you like one of their own, it’s very nice.”

Mark, discussed how he had previously viewed a hospice. “I think my idea of a hospice was probably quite wrong. You see the name around the area, with the shops, the hospice building itself, and my partner also works for KEMP, but I always assumed that hospices were for people with cancer and their end-of-life care. I had no idea that it covered so many other areas.”

The Unexpected Rewards of Volunteering

We asked Mark to share what he would say to someone who was thinking about volunteering. “As a volunteer, you’re not doing it for the financial reward. You’re doing it because you want to do it, your heart is in it and because it’s a nice environment. At the end of my day my colleagues would say, ‘thank you for your help today’ or ‘thank you for helping me’. I think the gratitude was really all mine. It’s incredible to be appreciated.”

After six months at KEMP, Mark shared his insight on some of the benefits and enjoyment he has found from volunteering. “I think it’s probably being with like-minded people, who wanted to do their bit for KEMP. The real benefit to me was with my mental health. I was going nowhere at home, worrying about what job I’d get next. Helping at KEMP a couple of days a week with Simon in the van, six or seven hours a day, gave me companionship and purpose.”

Volunteering is a wonderful way to have a positive impact and support our local charity. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, improve your well-being, develop existing skills or learn new ones, being a volunteer opens up lots of opportunities and is a fantastic way to support at the same time.

Find out more about how to volunteer at KEMP Hospice or alternatively, please email volunteering@kemphospice.org.uk