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