Meet Clare Tanner
With this week marking Volunteers Week, our new Volunteering Manager Clare Tanner is shouting loud and proud to celebrate every single one of our wonderful volunteers and the difference they make. Having worked in the field of ‘people and organisational development’ for over 30 years, Clare joined Rowcroft a few months ago, to follow her desire “to support people who support other people”. We’re delighted to introduce you to her here.
Why Clare wanted to work for Rowcroft
“I was drawn to working at Rowcroft because its purpose and work aligns with my values,” says Clare. “In particular, I love that the hospice focuses on supporting people, from the individuals in our care and their families through to the wider community, who benefit from the services we provide.
“Having myself volunteered in different roles over the years, whether in the community facilitating wellbeing groups or as a volunteer mentor/coach in the NHS, I know how rewarding it is to give people your time. Knowing that Rowcroft has such a large group of amazing people that do this for us was really a big motivation in me wanting to work here.”
A passion for people
“I realise how incredibly lucky we are to have such a talented and well-established group of volunteers who are always enthusiastic and keen to help us do more for the people we look after. I want to ensure that we take the best care of our volunteers and proactively attract and recruit new people to join us as our services expand and grow. I bring a passion for people, combined with lots of expertise in creating the conditions to ensure people flourish, and I hope to be a trusted resource and partner to our busy volunteer managers.”
Sending heartfelt thanks to our volunteers
“I’d like to say a huge, huge thank you to our volunteers! It’s a cliche but we absolutely couldn’t do what we do without you. In those of you that I have met so far, I have seen how generous, warm, friendly and good fun you are. This is a gift to our wider community and to the people and families we are directly caring for. Some of the stories I heard have been humbling; you deserve the biggest thank you.”
Celebrating Volunteers Week
“I am so happy to be here for my first Volunteers Week, and I have really loved meeting so many of you. It is so clear how much of a difference you make every day through the different roles you undertake for the hospice. You are all such amazing ambassadors for our organisation and what it means to look after people and contribute to a community that cares for others.
“It’s also important to mention how much Volunteer’s Week is an acknowledgement of what our volunteers do for each other too. We deliver our services at Rowcroft through a blend of people, both paid and volunteer, and the camaraderie and support within these teams has been so evident to me. This one team approach is vital and provides a seamless service to the people we serve so their needs can be met. I am so glad to be part of this team and look forward to working alongside our volunteers as we continue to support and look after our community.”
A shining example
“Our volunteers are a shining example of what our organisation stands for. They demonstrate that kindness and care and being in service to others is something we can all do, not because we have to, but because we choose to. The ripple effect from this is generative and long-lasting, building a culture both at community and organisation level that creates the best conditions for our patients and families to navigate what comes next for them. As an organisation that is funded predominantly by donations and fundraising, delivering some of our vital services through volunteers means that we can do even more for longer and have a greater impact.”
The future
“The role of volunteers is vital to the future expansion and diversification of our care offerings so that we can effectively support even more people. As we develop new services, such as the new nursing home, we will need to support the people we look after in different ways, enabling them to stay independent and safe for longer. This will result in more multi-skilled roles that help residents with everyday activities, perhaps taking them to the shop, helping them prepare their meal and supporting them to access recreational activities. Volunteers will play a major role in this.”
Find out more
If you’d like to find out about the many different ways that you can volunteer with Rowcroft, then please see our volunteers page or check out our volunteer vacancies. If you’re interested in joining Rowcroft as a volunteer, or would like more information, please email Clare at volunteering@rowcrofthospice.org.uk or telephone Clare on 01803 210852.
More blogs from Rowcroft
- Rowcroft celebrates ‘More than a shop’ Week
- Pursuing a skydiving dream in support of Rowcroft
- The power of music therapy at Rowcroft
- Rowcroft Hospice volunteer receives prestigious League of Mercy Award for outstanding voluntary service