Meet Debbie Tilsley, our wonderful hospitality volunteer
Debbie Tilsley is one of Rowcroft’s amazing hospitality volunteers. Every Friday, she brightens the Inpatient Unit with her warmth and kindness – whether she’s serving a comforting cup of tea or sharing a laugh while offering a cheeky tipple from the drinks trolley. Here, Debbie shares what it’s like to be part of the Rowcroft community and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
Debbie’s role at Rowcroft
“I started volunteering about eighteen months ago, helping out on Fridays in the Inpatient Unit’s hospitality team,” says Debbie. “I arrive just before noon, ready to hand out lunches to the patients and make sure they have everything they need. If anyone wants an extra cup of tea or a pudding, it’s my job to see they get that. After lunch, I collect the trays and head to the staff kitchen to help with the washing up.”
Raising a glass to simple joys
“My most exciting job of the day is taking the drinks trolley around the ward, which always causes great amusement. It’s quite a talking point – patients and their loved ones are often surprised to see we have a drinks trolley that includes a range of alcoholic beverages, such as gin, sherry, and whiskey. I think it’s a lovely thing because it feels like a treat and lets patients know they don’t have to forego the things they enjoy, like having a glass of wine with their lunch!”
More than ‘just’ a volunteer
“It’s a privilege to be able to talk with the patients and their families. I tend to think I’m doing a small service, handing out cups of tea and such, but the patients are so grateful and kind. The staff are all friendly and welcoming too. One of the best things about volunteering with Rowcroft is that all the staff are so appreciative. They’re always saying thank you, and if you ever say, ‘I’m just a volunteer’, they’ll say, ‘don’t say just a volunteer, you’re part of the team!’ It’s so nice, it’s a really supportive environment.”
Small acts, big difference
“Sometimes, you get to know the patients quite well. Even though I only see them for a few hours once a week, it’s incredible how people open up to you. It’s a real privilege to be with them at that time in their lives and to help, even if it’s only in a tiny way. They’re always so grateful – it shows how even the smallest of things can make a difference.”
Volunteering with Rowcroft
“I decided to volunteer because, after retiring from nursing, I really missed it and wanted to stay involved in a similar way. I’m so impressed by how well-organised Rowcroft is with their volunteers. There’s an event coming up soon where they’ve invited all of us volunteers to meet for tea and cakes to celebrate our work and give us a chance to meet one other. I think it’s so thoughtful and lovely.
“If someone were considering volunteering with Rowcroft, I would encourage them. It’s a wonderful place to volunteer because everyone is so welcoming and appreciative of your help. I never feel worried about coming in because I know it’s such a welcoming and supportive place.”
Thank you to Tolchards
Local company Tolchards support Rowcroft all year round providing drinks for our drinks trolley. We’d like to say a huge thank you for their support!
Interested in volunteering?
Why not become a part of Rowcroft’s volunteer community alongside Debbie? Discover more about volunteering with us and explore current roles at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/volunteers or give us a call on 01803 210852.