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Volunteer News
March 2020 The gift of time is priceless
Demelza CEO on In this issue
COVID-19
I wanted to take this opportunity to keep I know that right now you may be
you updated, as a valued friend of worried about your own health or
Demelza, to let you know what we are perhaps your loved ones. Please take
doing in these difficult times. the time you need. Over the coming
days and weeks, our teams will be
We provide care for some of the most reaching out to let you know what we
vulnerable people in society. Obviously, are doing, the changes we are making
our main concern is how children with and asking you to commit to helping us
terminal and serious conditions might when we start to come out of this and
be affected by the coronavirus crisis, when you can.
including how families will cope when
parents become ill and unable to We intend to re-group, put our plans in
provide care for their children. place and come back fighting. We
have to because we are needed. There
As I write this we are currently providing is no doubt we are going to need you
end of life care to children and other as we might well be facing challenging
urgent care to families in need. We will times which in turn will affect the families
continue but to do so is going to involve we help. Page 2: Our Newshound
huge changes in how we provide
support, in the short-term and potentially For now, we’d like to say thank you for all
in the long term too. We are working your support and making Demelza the
very hard on what we do, how we best amazing charity it is and will continue to
help and how we join with others across be.
the voluntary sector, NHS and elsewhere.
At the same time, we have to protect
our volunteers, supporters and staff. We
are currently reviewing all fundraising
events until late summer and the events
team will be in touch with further
information as these plans are Ryan Campbell CBE
developed. Chief Executive
Page 4: Eltham Makeover
News
Meet our volunteer newshound, Dave
My name is Dave Fewkes your new Volunteer News co-ordinator
taking over from Charlotte Clark in the Voluntary Services
Department (Charlotte will still be in the background providing
support).
I joined Demelza as a Volunteer in 2014 after seeing a DOTTIE Van at
my local fete and signing up to the lottery, I thought it was a good
charity to get involved in.
My first job was in the garden, when Mark Blackman was the head
gardener, and what an amazing garden we have here in
Sittingbourne. Now with Sam O’Brian taking over, with Mark Webb and
the team of volunteers, the garden is reaching new highs of quality
and colour.
I left the garden unit and joined the HR team where my responsibilities
are maintaining the training database and spreadsheets.
As an Ambassador I am also involved in supporting the East Kent
Community Fund Raising Team doing pot collections, bucket
collections at various locations and helping out at fundraising events.
Last year I joined a new project to reach out to more families,
providing practical support in the home and driving to hospital
appointments, a project that has been a great success. More If you have an article you would like to share just email me
volunteers are needed so, if you have a practical skill, please call at volunteernews@demelza.org.uk and I look forward to
Mary Goodger/Ronnie Cottrell in the VSD team. hearing from you.
Introducing New Starters
Hannah Hudson, Voluntary Services Administrator
Hannah.Hudson@demelza.org.uk
‘My name is Hannah and I joined the Voluntary Services team in February this year. Prior to
Demelza, I was an Administrator in the NHS Mental Health Services for 16 years. My role as
Voluntary Services Administrator involves providing administrative support to volunteers and the
Voluntary Services team. ‘Since beginning my role, I’ve quickly become aware of the huge
positive impact and difference that volunteers make to Demelza. Outside of work, I enjoy running
and completed my first half marathon in March last year.’
Jenny Monkhouse, Practical Support Administration Assistant
Jenny.monkhouse@demelza.org.uk
‘I joined Demelza six months ago as the Practical Support Administration Assistant, providing
administrative support for the Practical Support service, including volunteer driving. It’s been great
being a part of Demelza and playing a role in delivering a brand new service to our families. I
have worked with volunteers for more than four years now and I particularly like Demelza’s holistic
approach to providing families with the care and help they need with the support of volunteers. I
am pleased to have joined at such an exciting time and if you would like to learn more about the
Practical Support service do please get in touch with me.’
If you have not heard from us lately, it might be because your contact
preferences need updating. Please contact us to see how you can
stay up-to-date with all the latest news and stories from Demelza.
News
COVID-19 Update
The fast-paced changes and guidance issued by the
government means that we are constantly reviewing and
adapting what we, as an organisation, can do to continue
providing support to children and families and to maintain the
safety of everyone, including our staff and volunteers.
As part of these measures, we ask that volunteers do not attend
any Demelza site at this time until further notice. The health and
wellbeing of our volunteers is at the forefront of our minds and we
really do appreciate your ongoing commitment to Demelza.
If you need to get in touch with us during this time, please contact
the Voluntary Services Department by:
Phone: 01795845170
Text: 07451276111
Email: volunteering@demelza.org.uk
Due to the ever-changing nature of the situation, please visit our
website for the most up-to-date information:
http://www.demelza.orguk/get-our-help/coronavirus-information
In light of recent the developments, we have sadly needed to
postpone many exciting plans that were due to take place in
our hospices and shops as part of National Volunteer’s Week.
We are passionate about celebrating the contribution that
volunteers make to Demelza and therefore this year we will
Birthday Cards Update
instead thank our volunteers virtually.
From Monday 1st to Friday 7th June, we will be sharing stories,
photos, videos and online content to give our thanks for all that
Unfortunately, due to the current climate and you do and spread positivity throughout our website and social
staff working remotely off-site, we are unable to media channels.
post birthday cards until further notice. We
apologise for any inconvenience and do hope It would be great to hear from you so that we can share as
you will be able to enjoy your special day. many volunteer stories as possible. If you would like to get
involved, please contact us at volunteering@demelza.org.uk.
We would like to say thank you for your continuous support and
we look forward to celebrating with you all later in the year.
Demelza Retail
Dress to impress
Jayne Torvill, Olympic gold medallist ice skater and long
term supporter of Demelza Hospice Care for Children,
recently donated over 30 beautiful dresses from her time as
a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
The dresses range from designer through to high street brands
and came in a myriad of colours and lengths.
Ashley Henson, Director of Retail, said “As a charity, we’re
almost entirely dependent on the generosity of our supporters
to provide the funds that keep our services going so a huge
thanks to Jayne for this generous donation and the
opportunity for one of our supporters to buy a piece of TV
history!”
Jayne Torvill said “As a proud ambassador of Demelza
Hospice Care for Children, I’m delighted the dresses will be
put to good use raising funds for the children and their families
supported by this amazing charity, as well as raising
awareness of the work Demelza does across Kent, East Sussex
and South East London.”
Whilst our retail outlets are not staffed, we do ask that is you
out in your local community completing your own essential
tasks, set out as accepted by the government and notice
anything regarding our premises, please do report them
through to us using the main Reception Kent number. Please
do not make a trip specifically to check on our properties. We
are also unable to accept donations of goods at this time,
however please do encourage anyone that asks to hold onto
their donation and support us once we are out of the current
restrictions.
‘Jayne Torvill has donated 30
dresses worn on TV Show
‘Dancing on Ice’ to Demelza’
Shop Closures and Donations
Please be aware that our Demelza shops are currently closed until further notice as a result of the current
Coronavirus outbreak. Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff and supporters, and
we are continuing to monitor the rapidly changing situation on a daily basis.
Further information on what measures Demelza is taking can be viewed on our website at www.demelza.org.uk/get-our-
help/coronavirus-information.
We would like to thank all our volunteers for your continuous support and understanding during these difficult times. Our
thoughts are with you and your families and we hope to welcome you back to our shops soon when it is safe for us to do
so.
Donations
We are currently unable to take donations of goods at any of our retail outlets or our donation station at the Sittingbourne
hospice. If you are having a spring clear out, please save your items for when we reopen in future - we'll need your help
more than ever.
Demelza Resources/Care/Family Making an entrance More than 30 artists and painters volunteered their time over 12 days in March to completely transform the entrance of Demelza SEL in Eltham. Children and their families are now greeted by an inviting woodland scene which is home to many curious creatures. The creative team behind the new mural, Marvellous Minds, painstakingly designed and hand painted the murals using the lights to mimic sunlight which brings the scenes to life.
Work in their shoes
Sam, Mark and their wonderful team of garden
volunteers put the HR Team through its paces as
part of Demelza’s Work in Their Shoes scheme.
Hayley Clark said: ‘We planted almost 1,000 bulbs
across the Kent hospice site and are delighted to be
seeing the bulbs coming through in the garden now,
thanks of course to the expert guidance of the garden
team.
‘Work in Their Shoes really gives a fantastic insight into
how other departments work as a team, meet the staff
and volunteers and understand people’s roles. It
promotes cross department working and creates
opportunities for efficiencies and understanding
between teams.’
Hayley added: ‘My Work in Their Shoes in the garden
has helped me to understand the level of planning,
research and knowledge required to provide such a
beautiful environment for our children, young people
and families to access.’
Superhero Trevor goes
undercover
When you think of a superhero you imagine a cape, Lycra tights
with underwear worn on the outside, a cool mask and boots.
Put that superhero in the garden and you envisage them in their attire
of green and gold. Devoting his time to create a vision of natural
beauty for our service users and their loved ones, our new superhero
Trevor Hobbs is working undercover at out Eltham hospice.
Trevor’s weapons of choice are perhaps a little obscure for a
superhero, but essential for the job in hand. There’re no photon sheiks,
batarangs, web-shooters or elder wand but secateurs, trowels,
motivation and commitment.
Welcome to Team Demelza Trevor, aka Ord.
Hello Holly
My name is Holly Kupperblatt and I
absolutely love volunteering at
Demelza. It has helped me build my
confidence, I've really enjoyed meeting
new people and gaining experience
with caring for terminally ill children.
I have been volunteering for two years
now and it's been an interesting
experience, I've helped out at stay and
play sessions, hydrotherapy sessions and
at Bubble Rush and I will be taking part in
the Bubble Rush this June. I think
Demelza is an amazing place for
children and their families and I would
recommend this volunteering opportunity
to many other people.
Demelza Retail
Reward for Zoe’s bags of joy
Last summer, Zoe Martial volunteered her time
to lending a helping hand in Demelza’s West
Wickham shop. She quickly recognised the
ongoing need for good quality clothes and
suggested a donation day with her school.
West Wickham’s shop manager, Lynn Edwards,
said: ‘Zoe did a fantastic job organising and
publicising the day which helped raise
awareness of the work we do at Demelza and
resulted in 39 bags of donated items in total.
‘As if that wasn't enough, she then came after
school to help sort the donations too.’
In January, Lynn and Zoe were invited attend the
Bromley Rotary Club Youth Awards Ceremony,
where Zoe was presented with a Youth Award by
the Mayor of Bromley, celebrating her fantastic
contribution to the community.
When Volunteering Helps Winning
My name is Annabelle Graham and I want to let you know
how much being a volunteer has helped me through a
difficult time. Last year after selling our home then moving to
Awards in
Hythe, I sadly lost my mum. My life was empty and I needed
a change so one day I walked around all the charity shops
lurking round the rails getting a feel for the place.
Whitstable
It was in Demelza I listened to the lively chat from the back and
the till, I liked the music, I liked the way the shop displayed A huge well done to Clyde, who
everything. It must have been ages before I summoned the volunteers at the Demelza Whitstable
courage to ask at the till about volunteering and was greeted shop, for recieving the Kent
with such an exuberant response.
Community award for his dedication
I took home the form and filled it in straightaway and began and commitment to Demelza.
working as soon as I could. Working there with such lovely
people, an amazing team, gives me such satisfaction and I With the amazing support we recieve from Clyde
love learning new skills which include working on the till, sorting and over 600 volunteers, Demelza shops are able
all the donations and helping to dress the window. I have to raise more than £2 million, which is vital in
made new friends and I feel I can help make a difference. providing the on-going care and support to
children and families
Demelza raffle prize winner Max, volunteer Annabelle
Graham and Hythe shop manager, Lucy Vint.
Demelza Practical Support
Team Demelza
to the rescue
My name is Chris Dix. I signed up to be a Mobility vehicle for Demelza
driver, volunteering when I could. I went Demelza has taken charge of a purpose-built mobility vehicle –
through the comprehensive training to be provided by generous benefactors who say this could be the
a minibus driver and was considered ‘fit’ first of a small fleet. Freemasons from Surrey delivered the
wheelchair-accessible Fiat Doblo to volunteer drivers at the
to drive for Demelza. Eltham Hospice in February. The charity described the support
as ‘invaluable’.
My first job involved a pickup in Maidstone, a mother and
child to take to our hospice in Sittingbourne. I drove to the Andy Locke, one of 40 masons from Thurlow Park Lodge 5476,
hospice, picked up the necessary paperwork and vehicle near Redhill, said the vehicle was originally obtained for a friend,
keys and I was ready to go once I had completed the Jonathan, who had cancer and when he died, they immediately
vehicle checks needed every time the vehicles are taken thought of Demelza.
out. The journey to Maidstone was uneventful, I had no
trouble finding the address and arrived on time. ‘This is the perfect home for a wheelchair vehicle,’ said Andy, a
56-year-old construction manager from Tonbridge in Kent. ‘If we
The mum and her child were ready and we soon had can’t support our youth in all walks of life, then we haven’t learnt
them in the minibus, safely strapped in on board having anything through our own lives, have we?’ The converted Fiat can
used the wheelchair lift. At this point I was relieved the first carry four people, a driver and passenger up front, plus a parent
part of the job was going well, all that was left was the or carer sitting next to the wheelchair user. It also comes with a
hospice drop off, wait and do the return journey. I had state-of-the-art electric wheelchair. The Fiat is currently on lease
been driving for about five minutes when there was a and when the Surrey lodge has raised enough funds, Andy says
strange noise and the smell of burnt rubber. For safety, I the members’ plan to buy the vehicle outright and then start
pulled off the main road and parked. Imagine my leasing a second one for Demelza. His ambitions don’t stop there.
feelings when I got out and found one of the rear tyres He hopes to involve more masonic lodges in raising funds across
was not so much flat as shredded and hanging off the Surrey.
rim. Not a quick fix. Panic sets in. I phoned Voluntary
Services straightaway, conscious of the appointment time. ‘This is the first of hopefully a small fleet. Demelza is my top priority.
The office was brilliant and luckily there was another This is a big commitment for me now. I am going to make this a
minibus available on site and one of the team came to success.’ Demelza’s Chief Executive, Ryan Campbell, expressed
collect my passengers. the charity’s thanks. He said: ‘Support like this from the community
is invaluable and helps us reach more families and do more.’
I had already called the tyre company who soon arrived
to replace the ruined tyre. I then drove to the hospice and
waited before completing the return run, fortunately with ‘This is the first of hopefully a small
no tyre problems. Since then I have undertaken a variety
of Demelza jobs, using different vehicles and have fleet. Demelza is my top priority. I am
fortunately experienced no problems. However, I won’t
forget my first driving experience in a hurry.
going to make this a success’
Spreading the word
My name is Tony Clark and since leaving full time journalism last year, after what seemed like a
lifetime in print and broadcast media, I have been fortunate enough to link up with Demelza.
I have begun researching and writing stories that highlight the charity’s essential work. That means
interviewing parents and carers of desperately sick children about their experiences with Demezla and
what it has given them. By doing this we hope to raise the profile of the charity to the wider world and
possibly attract more interest and donations. I also look at the extremely valuable work done by the small
army of Demelza volunteers, talk to them and find out what they give - and also what they get - from their
unpaid charitable work. It is hoped that this may encourage others to step forward for some of the myriad
roles volunteers provide.
Community Fundraising
Amazing effort on pot swap days
The Community Fundraising team descended on local towns in
February to swap over collection pots across Kent, South East
London and East Sussex.
We had a huge task on our hands as we aimed to swap over
1,000 pots. If each of these pots contains an average of £35,
that’s £35,000 for Demelza.
We were completely overwhelmed by the response from our
fantastic volunteers with an incredible 15 volunteers collecting
pots on two dedicated days. A further three three could help but
not on those dates so are scheduled to go on other dates and
nine more volunteers ringing locations to check if they still had
pots and wanted them swapping – this was a huge help as it
meant our teams could focus on just these businesses and
picking up the pots that were most full. For example, in Medway,
we were able to swap 35 pots this way. In total, we collected 355
pots across four dates.
Claire Battersby (Community Fundraiser), Barbara Battersby
The weather was not on our side and we are so incredibly grateful and Cess Crascall
to every volunteer’s dedication and determination at still coming
out in the pouring rain. Each of you showed great knowledge of
the town you visited and it really helped having locals with us. Spot the Dotty bus
Special thanks go to Pauline Collins and Barbara Battersby who The Corporate Partnerships team is delighted to announce
covered not one but two of these dates (in the pouring rain). You a charity partnership with Stagecoach South East.
are both amazing. We’ll keep you posted on how much was
raised. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who continually This exciting new partnership was launched by Isabella, her
collect pots for us; it means a steady source of income, happy mum Nicola, her sister Emily and Demelza’s CEO Ryan
pot holders (the businesses that have the pots), and more Campbell by unveiling a specially designed Demelza Dotty
manageable collections. bus.
The bus is now in service on routes all across East Kent. If you
happen to see or step on the distinctive bus on your travels,
then please share by tagging #SpotTheDottyBus.
Demelza Volunteering
Volunteer Forum:
could you help make a difference?
Our Volunteer Forum is held three times a year and allows volunteers from different areas to share ideas, receive
updates from the organisation and discuss any issues within their volunteering zones.
Some of our members attend meetings while others prefer to communicate via email – it’s each member’s personal
choice. We are always looking to have more departments represented, so please take a look below at our current
representatives and vacancies. If there is not a representative in your area, could it be you?
Volunteer Forum areas
Fundraising East Kent: David Fewkes, Peggy Burke, Phil Longley Reception SEL: Vacancies
Fundraising East Sussex: Vacancies Canterbury shop: Peggy Burke, Phil Longley
Fundraising London: Georgina Medlen, Rosemary Norris, Chatham shop: Vacancies
Patricia Sabine, Janet Whitlock Eastbourne shop: Vacancies
Fundraising North Kent: Helen Cranfield, Mick Cranfield, Cathy Eltham shop: Carol Cameron
Gundry, Rosie Wheatley Gillingham shop: Jane Trowbridge
Fundraising South Kent: Vacancy Gillingham Furniture shop: Vacancies
Marketing: Vacancies Hailsham shop: Vacancies
Care Kent: Maggie Allen Heathfield shop: Vacancies
Care SEL: Heath Nicholls Herne Bay shop: Ruth Goldstraw, Derek Harris, Gill Harris
Care/Family Support East Sussex: Vacancy Herne Bay Book shop: Derek Harris, Gill Harris
Family Support Kent: Cathy Gundry, Dave Turner Hythe shop: Vacancies
Family Support SEL: Lucy McInerney Hythe Bookshop: Vacancies
Practical Support Kent: David Fewkes, Mick Cranfield Maidstone shop: Vacancies
Practical Support SEL: Vacancies Maidstone Distribution Centre: Lucy Arnott, Mick Cranfield
Care Admin Kent: Carrie Easterfield Maidstone Hub Admin: Vacancies
Catering Kent: Pamela Draper, Cathy Gundry, Patricia Maidstone Shopping Outlet: Vacancies
Malcolmson, Christine Miller, Robert Naylor, Doreen Taylor, Rosie
Parkwood shop: Linda Chapman, Susan Spink
Wheatley, Valerie White
Petts Wood shop: Rosemary Norris
Facilities: Vacancies
Rainham Furniture shop: Trish Lambourne
Finance: Vacancies
Rochester shop: Trish Lambourne
Garden: Vacancies
Sheerness shop: Vacancies
HR/Reception Kent: David Fewkes, Carrie Easterfield, Cathy
Gundry, Christine Miller Sheerness Children’s shop: Vacancies
IT: Vacancies Sittingbourne shop: David Cummings
Voluntary Services: David Fewkes Strood shop: Vacancies
Care Admin SEL: Lucy McInerney, Heather Nicholls Tenterden shop: David Stallwood
Catering SEL: Vacancies Tonbridge shop: Vacancies
Housekeeping SEL: Vacancies West Wickham shop: Vacancies
Housekeeping Kent: Vacancies Whitstable shop: Frances Madle
Why not join one of our Friends groups?
Did you know we have several Friends groups who tirelessly fundraise for Demelza across Kent, South East
London and East Sussex?
• Sunshine Girls – Dover • Uckfield Friends
• Hailsham Friends • Bromley Friends
• Eastbourne Friends • Lewisham Friends
• Hastings fundraisers • Restoration Friends of Eltham
• Heathfield Friends • Shirley Friends – Croydon
If you would like join one of our Friends groups, or would like information on how to start your own group,
please call the Voluntary Services team on 01795 431090 or email volunteering@demelza.org.ukLearn more about your
Volunteer Forum representatives
Linda Chapman, Parkwood Shop Forum
representative, shares her volunteer story:
I was retired and thinking of doing some sort of volunteering. There was a stall at
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre for Demelza and when I was talking to a
volunteer there she said Demelza was opening a shop at Parkwood so I decided to
sign up for the new shop.
So, I went to work at the shop and found everyone very friendly. I enjoyed the
newness of the venture and was soon (I hope) helping to make the shop a good
place to spread the word about Demelza.
As the years went by I got more involved in various events we held in the shop.
When the Volunteer Forum was created I felt I could represent the volunteers in our
shop, so with their support have I joined and have learned so much more about
the charity and I hope have passed on my knowledge to many more people.
The best thing about volunteering for Demelza is the fact that I know that what we
do does make a vast difference to all the families that Demelza helps. The more
money we make in the shops the more Demelza can do for the families who need
help.
The people who donate so very generously and buy the goods we sell are
wonderful. We always make them aware how much they are helping the hospice
with their generosity.
I would say to anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer that you will get far more
out of becoming one than you could ever imagine, you will make many new
friends and feel you are really making a difference to children who have to face
many challenges in their lives.
I continue to volunteer for Demelza because I still feel it is a very good charity have
made many good friends who have helped and supported me through difficult
times,
I have in the eight years l have been a volunteer seen the charity go from strength
to strength spreading wider into the community helping more families who need
help and I hope to continue for many more years to come.
Cathy Gundry, one of our fantastic Forum
representatives, shares her most memorable
moments from her time at Demelza:
There are four things that stick out from my time here. I attended a Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace, did a wing walk, and also sang in the choir in Canterbury
Cathedral.
The other is a more personal thing – I did a music session with the care team on a
one to one basis. I was with a child who was completely wheelchair bound and
couldn’t speak. The theme of the afternoon was weather, and I gently had to spray
her with water, stroke her arms with cotton wool to represent clouds, and shake a
rattle type thing to mimic thunder.
The look on her face, and the smile, will stay with me for a long time.
Important information for fundraising and events
The health and wellbeing of our volunteers is at the forefront of our minds during this current situation and we are
working our way through making contact with our supporters holding events in the near future. If you were due to
help at an event and you haven’t heard from us or the event organiser, please call 0300 368 3653 or email and
we will find the information you need. We are working hard to help supporters reschedule their events for later in
the year and as always will be deeply grateful for any help you can give at a later dateDid you know
Last year Demelza launched the
Practical Support service
offering families help with day to day tasks, from
driving to cleaning, DIY and gardening.
Between 2018-2019, Practical Support volunteers
have provided Demelza families with a total of
1,322 hours
of their time to Demelza.
There are
16 Practical Support volunteers in Kent, 14 in
South East London and 2 in East Sussex.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get
involved with Practical Support, please contact:
practical.support@demelza.org.uk
Volunteer News entries
If you are a volunteer or member of staff and
would like to submit an article or story to
feature in the next issue of Volunteer News,
please email volunteering@demelza.org.uk or The Queen’s Award
telephone 01795 845170. We look forward to for Voluntary Service
receiving your entries soon. The MBE for volunteer groups
Kent: 01795 845200 • Eltham: 0208 859 9800 • East Sussex: 01323 446461
Publishing date of next issue:
November 2020 www.demelza.org.ukYou can also read
