Volunteers collectively contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of work every year. Unsung Heroes shines a spotlight on locals working quietly in the background to keep our community thriving.For Bridgewater resident Denise Botten, volunteering with the Mary Potter Hospice is about ensuring that those approaching the end of their lives – and their loved ones – are afforded dignity, comfort and the kind of care that feels like home.
And despite the gratitude expressed by patients and their families who have experienced the Mary Potter Hospice at Calvary North Adelaide, Denise believes she receives just as much from her role as she gives.
Denise began volunteering with the Mary Potter Hospice about two years ago after witnessing first-hand the reassuring and calming impact that volunteers could have during her own hospital experience.
Shortly afterwards, she read a magazine article about a volunteer at Mary Potter Hospice and the experience of someone receiving care there.
Volunteers at Mary Potter Hospice work alongside medical and nursing staff to support patients who are at the palliative stage in a multitude of ways.
They welcome each new patient on arrival with handmade quilts and comfort packs to help make their room feel like home; they make sure the shared spaces, such as the chapel and children’s play spaces are clean and tidy; ensure there are always fresh flowers around the hospice; and keep the family kitchen stocked with hot and cold drinks, fresh cakes and sandwiches, breakfast staples and chocolates.
Some people don’t want to chat, some people are really up for a big long chat, some people want to go through their life story, which is fascinating.
They also facilitate family meals – like pizza nights – at the hospice so loved ones can create special memories, or host themed events to make the hospice feel homey and bright.
“We have different days that we have a bit of fun with, like lamington day, cookie day, donut day,” Denise says.
“We dressed up in green and had Guinness for St Patrick’s Day.
“… And sometimes you might have people who have really small children and each room has got a little outside area that they can go and sit in and we put fairy lights and things up there for little girls who were visiting often or staying with a parent.
“… It’s not a sad place, and it’s rewarding.”
Volunteers have also helped facilitate weddings, baptisms and smoking ceremonies to ensure that anyone who comes to the hospice can approach end of life in the way that is important to them. But they’re also there to offer a listening ear.
“We’re very much driven by the person,” Denise says.
“Some people don’t want to chat, some people are really up for a big long chat, some people want to go through their life story, which is fascinating.
“So really you’re just there, very malleable, working out what it is I can do for this person.”
For Denise, volunteering at the Mary Potter Hospice has brought her more fulfilment than she ever could have anticipated.
And her advice for anyone considering volunteering with the foundation? “Do it”.
“It was that one little thing that drew me in,” she says.
“… Just have a try and it might be one of the best things you ever did.”
