THE Ayrshire Hospice has put out a call to people across the region interested in volunteering for the organisation.

The charity is encouraging anyone keen to join to register their interest as it prepares to return to its traditional home in Ayr.

With the hospice expecting to return to Racecourse Road in 2025, the charity needs to recruit an additional 150 volunteers to support its teams to deliver services.

Pre-Covid and the temporary relocation to East Ayrshire Community Hospital, the Ayrshire Hospice was supported by more than 500 volunteers.

Currently supported by 247 voluntary staff, the hospice has 15 distinct volunteering roles across the organisation including volunteer drivers, patient experience, fundraising and receptionists.

Chief executive Tracy Flynn said their invaluable contribution is not taken for granted.

She said: “Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide the exceptional level of care and service that we currently do.

"People can underestimate just how important volunteers are to the Ayrshire Hospice and the important role they play.”

Tracy added: “It surprises many that, not too long ago, 71 per cent of Ayrshire Hospice staff were volunteers.

"Now, as we get ever closer to returning to Racecourse Road, we’re eager to welcome both past and new volunteers into the organisation to support us across every team we have.

“Helping our clinical teams in the In-patient Unit by serving meals, bringing a cup of tea to patients and families, or simply spending time having a wee chat can truly make someone’s day. These small acts can be extremely powerful and rewarding.

“In the new building, we’ll be opening a bigger coffee shop that will welcome the local community to come in and support us.

"Volunteering in the coffee shop could be a fantastic opportunity for someone interested in a career in hospitality who also wants to support their local hospice.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community back into our home, and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested in giving a little of their time to help us deliver our care and services to those who need us across Ayrshire and Arran.”

In the first phase of volunteer recruitment, the Ayrshire Hospice is particularly keen to hear from those interested in supporting the following roles: receptionists, ward caterers, In-Patient Unit volunteers, and coffee shop volunteers.

Volunteering with the Ayrshire Hospice is open to anyone aged 16 years and over. Full role descriptions are available online in the 'volunteer' section of www.ayrshirehospice.org or by emailing volunteer@ayrshirehospice.org.