The Brigitte Trust

"I feel I gain much more that I give to volunteering for the Brigitte Trust" A Brigitte Trust Volunteer

The diagnosis of a terminal illness can be a terrible shock to the whole family, and it can sometimes be hard to share feelings - even with closest relatives. For over 25 years, the Brigitte Trust has been offering help to people and their families facing life-threatening illness, with a free service of emotional support and help with practical needs at home.

Volunteers offer an initial 3 hours per week and referrals come from District Nurses, Hospice personnel, via Social Care Teams or from individuals themselves.  The charity covers a wide radius of its Dorking base - boundaries are Cobham and Worcester Park to the North, Hurst Green to the East and Charlwood to the South. The service extends to Merrow and Burpham to the West.  The Trust needs volunteers from all these areas and from towns and villages in between.

The number of families supported last year was 189.

Brigitte Trust volunteers offer support to the wider family too by listening to the carers and supporting them as they share feelings of sadness, regret, anger and fear for the future. The most important part of their work is often to listen, without judgment.

Volunteer induction training will take place during 2010 and more volunteers are warmly welcomed both to work with clients and also in other support roles within the Trust such as fundraising or office administration - please help support local people facing life-threatening illness.

"I have nothing but praise for your Organisation - simply having a couple of hours a week away from caring was such a relief.  It was also good for my late husband to have someone other than me - especially the Volunteer - to converse with " Comment from a Brigitte Trust client

To make a referral or to discuss volunteering opportunities email Andrea West, our Service Director andreawest@btconnect.com or phone 01306 875929