Three women stand between the clothes rails in the Writtle Farleigh store smiling at the camera

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week at Farleigh Hospice

1-7 June 2026 Our volunteers are at the heart of Farleigh Hospice. Their time, skills and kindness help us provide compassionate care and support to people across our community.

Our volunteers are woven into every part of Farleigh Hospice. From welcoming visitors at reception to supporting patients on our Inpatient Unit, helping in our shops, gardens and café, supporting our events and fundraising activities, working in our offices, and raising vital funds, their contribution is felt across our whole organisation.

This Volunteers’ Week, we are taking time to say thank you and celebrate the difference they make across our community.

Play video A photo portrait of Michelle Kabia, Farleigh's Chief Executive

Thank you to our volunteers

In this Volunteers’ Week message, Chief Executive Michele Kabia expresses her heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for their time, care and dedication. She reflects on how essential they are to Farleigh Hospice and how deeply their support is valued. Farleigh simply wouldn’t be Farleigh without them.

Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Renvoize

Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Renvoize

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week, we shine a spotlight on Julie, who has volunteered with Farleigh Hospice for more than 40 years. From fundraising and catering to organising large community events, Julie has played a key role in bringing people together and supporting hospice care across mid Essex.

More than 40 years later, she remains part of Farleigh’s story.
Read Julie's story

Our retail volunteers making a difference

Our shops across mid Essex are powered by volunteers who give their time to sort donations, prepare pre-loved items for sale, and welcome customers in our communities. Every purchase helps raise vital funds to support our compassionate care.

Our shops are more than just places to buy and donate. They are friendly, welcoming spaces where volunteers, staff and customers come together, and where many people build confidence, skills and connections.

Karen Mercer, a Farleigh Hospice volunteer, standing in a garden holding a framed photo of her late husband, Lauri.

Meet Karen

Karen volunteers in our South Woodham Ferrers shop, alongside supporting Farleigh as a volunteer photographer at fundraising events. After receiving care and support for her husband at home, she found volunteering gave her a way to give back while rebuilding her confidence after bereavement.

Through her volunteering, Karen has rediscovered purpose, connection and a renewed sense of self.
Read Karen's story

Four stories of kindness and commitment

Here, we share the stories of four Farleigh Hospice volunteers whose time and commitment support people across mid Essex every day. From welcoming visitors and caring for patients, to helping in our café, gardens, shops and events, their contribution is felt across every part of our work.

Marilyn, a Farleigh Hospice volunteer, sits at a desk in an office space, working at a computer with paperwork and plants on the windowsill behind her.
“I would recommend volunteering at Farleigh Hospice. They’re such a nice crowd to work with… it’s a very friendly and cheerful place. It’s a nice place to volunteer and it’s also giving something back to the community.”
Marilyn Large – Volunteer Donations and Retail Support Assistant
Volunteer John Spillane holds up a large heart printed with the words 'Proudly supporting Farleigh Hospice' at the Walk for Life event
I volunteer at Walk for Life, Cycle for Life and Santa Fun Run. It’s a worthwhile experience, and it’s a nice day out, supporting the people at events who are fundraising for Farleigh by walking, running and cycling. The time I give saves money on staffing that can be spent on other resources."
John Spillane – Event volunteer

Our Trustees

Alongside our volunteers, our Trustees play a vital role in guiding Farleigh Hospice and ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care for people across mid Essex. They give their time and expertise to support strong governance, shape our strategy, and help secure the long-term future of the hospice.

Becoming a Trustee

We are currently recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and support the long-term success of our hospice.

We are seeking experienced professionals with legal, financial or clinical expertise who are passionate about strong governance and making a meaningful difference for people at the end of their lives.

Find out more

Farleigh Hospice retail volunteer sorting clothing inside a one of our shops

Join our volunteer community

Thank you to all our volunteers for everything you give to Farleigh Hospice. If you feel inspired to make a difference, we would love you to join us. Give your time, support your community, and help us continue to provide compassionate care at the heart of mid Essex.