Meet Bev Adams, one of St Helena Hospice’s long standing volunteer receptionists.

Bev has been a dedicated volunteer at the hospice for more than 18 years and works in reception at the hospice's inpatient unit at Myland Hall in Colchester.

Bev, from Great Bentley, describes her average day.

“As volunteers we work four hour shifts answering the phone, distributing calls and generally being the first point of call for anyone who wants to be in contact with the hospice and its services.

Some people may want to be transferred through to a member of staff and others need a calming voice and someone to listen to about whatever may be worrying them.

It warms my heart when I am able to listen to and reassure someone who is worried of what the next step may be for them or a family member.

I am happy to help and let them know that we are all here and can pass them on to a team which is able to help support them.

It’s such a great feeling to know I have been able to turn what might have been a distressing situation into a feeling of reassurance.

Everyone is treated as individuals. Anything they wish for the hospice staff will try to do, whether it is our community team or the team on the inpatient unit, they will always do their best to support them.

I love being able to see the difference the hospice can make to someone’s life. It’s like a huge family and I feel so happy to be a part of it."

Bev recommended becoming a volunteer.

“You get so much satisfaction and you know you’re helping to support people.

The other day I had a chat with a gentleman who had come in heading out for the day. He told me his wife had passed away during the last year and he had bought a leaf on the Memory Tree as a place to remember her.

He wanted to let her know what he was doing that day. To me, it was important to be able to be there for him.

It was really touching."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call 01206 931450 or email volunteer@sthelenahospice.org.uk.