Serving Aldershot, Camberley, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet,  Frimley, Godalming, Guildford, Lightwater and Yateley England in affiliation with the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. Area Organisers Report 2010 We begin this year's report warmly welcoming 7 new volunteers. We currently have 41 volunteers and this year has been busy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them and their dedication, especially given the weather conditions that started the year off. We are so grateful to all our volunteers for all their hard work and commitment to HHS. On receipt of a referral we visit prospective patients and are made welcome in homes where the situation may be very stressful.   To be able to offer confidential, caring support on a weekly basis, for approx 3 hours, brings heart-felt relief to patients and families/carers and makes our visit very rewarding. We then assign an appropriate volunteer and are able to monitor their visits by their monthly reports. We also stress to them that we are on the end of the phone should they have any worries or concerns. We try to support our volunteers in any way we can. Our volunteers are extremely versatile, willing and adaptable. The fundamental basis of our presence is to listen. The volunteer spends precious time with their patient and a special bond develops at a very difficult time of their lives. To be able to voice fears and feelings that cannot be said to their loved ones can bring huge relief for both patient and families.  We all find the journey travelled a privilege. The referrals can be challenging and often the volunteer is dealing with difficult and stressful situations. We know our volunteers can be relied upon to respond in a compassionate and confident manner.   Volunteer Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Area Organisers Report Training Coordinator’s Report Affiliated to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Registered Charity No. 1024866 Monica’s Website Design and Flexisoft L.L.C. www.hospicehomesupport.org.uk Their tasks can be anything from gardening, ironing, shopping or just sitting with a patient while the carer has a much needed break. 24-hour care to a loved one is hard and demanding, the 3hours given to them is really appreciated. One volunteer prepared a rabbit and helped the patient cook it, another volunteer played chess with their patient, and a volunteer has shared a passion for classical music.  They take patients to their hospital appointments and give them moral support. Sometimes all is needed is a drive out to a garden centre for coffee and a chat. It can make such a difference just to be taken out for a few hours. Our volunteers tell us that a good number of visits usually include lighter moments and much laughter, a natural healing for all concerned. We work as a team and support each other. Our work is very rewarding and it is a privilege to be invited into patients’ homes and give them any help that is needed. Brenda Francis Janet Neilson Tina Harrison   Area Organisers 2010 Our volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are quite simply priceless.