Today (June 1, 2023) marks the beginning of this year’s annual Volunteers’ Week – a week to celebrate the contribution that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.  

To celebrate the week, Rennie Grove is highlighting the work of its 1,200 volunteers who give up their time to help with everything from working in its shops, to supporting its office staff and befriending patients.  

The charity is also holding a volunteering open day, to give local people the chance to speak to existing volunteers and the Rennie Grove team about volunteering opportunities that are available to them.  

Held at the charity’s Grove House site on Waverly Road from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 8 June, the event will particularly focus on its newly expanded Compassionate Neighbours scheme.  

Compassionate Neighbours is part of a nationwide programme that supports local people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation as a result of living with a life-limiting illness or bereavement. 

 The scheme has been established at Peace Hospice Care, with which Rennie Grove is currently merging, for a number of years, and expanded to St Albans and the surrounding areas, earlier this year.  

With a time commitment from as little as one hour per week and volunteers matched with a community member local to them, the scheme gives people a chance to make a difference in their own community, in a way that fits around their other commitments.  

When asked about why they enjoy volunteering as Compassionate Neighbours, this is what some of the current volunteers said: "I can definitely say that I get more out of volunteering than I put in." - Maureen  

"His eyes light up when he talks about the past which is just wonderful to see. We spend the time just chatting and having a laugh together." - Sheila  

"Through our weekly chats I have had the pleasure of learning so much about my hometown." - Shahid 

To find out more about the volunteer open day and register your interest in attending, visit: https://renniegrove.org/get-involved/rennie-grove-volunteering/lend-a-hand-in-your-community/