Volunteers: The Heart of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care Shops

Published on: 1 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 4 Feb, 2025

A Phyllis Tuckwell volunteer

In the heart of Guildford and beyond, a network of dedicated volunteers keeps the doors of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care shops open, helping to fund critical services for patients and their families.

These volunteers, considered by the charity to be unsung heroes, are an essential part of the charity’s mission to provide end-of-life care, yet the charity is calling for more helping hands to join its team.

Every day, Phyllis Tuckwell supports over 250 local patients, carers, and families, offering palliative and end-of-life care at its In-Patient Unit, through Living Well sessions, and even in the comfort of people’s own homes.

However, with only 25 per cent of its costs covered by the NHS and government funding, the charity must raise an incredible £25,000 daily to continue its vital work.

To meet this challenge, Phyllis Tuckwell operates 18 charity shops across West Surrey and North-East Hampshire, selling high-quality preloved items generously donated by supporters. From clothing and accessories to books and furniture, these shops transform donated goods into life-saving funds.

A selection of good quality furniture and home items

One unique feature of the charity’s retail operations is the Furniture Showroom in Farnham, where shoppers can find everything from bookcases to sofas, along with a wide selection of decorative items. Adjacent to the showroom is the Donation Centre, a bustling hub where items are sorted, priced, and prepared for sale. Both locations, along with other shops in the region, are seeking new volunteers to bolster their teams.

Julia Morpeth, Voluntary Services Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell, highlights just how crucial these roles are: “Our retail volunteers are so important in helping us to raise the money we need to be able to provide our care.

“They bring a great range of knowledge and skills to our organisation, and we provide them with ongoing support and training to enable them to learn and develop within their role.”

Volunteering in one of these shops is not just about raising funds, says the charity, it’s a chance to connect with the community, meet new people, and make a tangible difference. Whether sorting through new donations, pricing items, or serving customers, every task contributes to the charity’s life-changing work.

For those with a few hours to spare, volunteering with Phyllis Tuckwell offers the opportunity to join a friendly and welcoming team while supporting an essential local cause.

Google maps shows that there are three Phyllis Tuckwell shops in Guildford

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, contact the Voluntary Services team at 01252 729400 or email voluntary.services@pth.org.uk.

The charity says: “Your time and skills could help Phyllis Tuckwell continue its invaluable work—because every donation, every sale, and every volunteer makes a difference.”