Volunteers’ Week: Volunteers are the very heart of Barnsley Hospice

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, Barnsley Hospice is celebrating the invaluable contribution of its volunteers who enable the organisation to deliver its specialist services.

In 2025 alone, hospice volunteers gave up more than 10,000 hours of their time to support the hospice’s work, helping to reduce costs and reach more people across Barnsley who need palliative and end of life care.

As a charity that must raise two-thirds of its running costs on average every year, this contribution is vital and more volunteers are being sought to help continue this care.

CEO/Chief Nurse at Barnsley Hospice, Ross Fletcher, said: “Volunteers are at the very heart of Barnsley Hospice and support almost every area of hospice life. They offer comfort and reassurance to patients and families, assist our clinical and administrative teams, help to run events, support fundraising activities, serve as trustees, and play a vital role in retail.

“Volunteering is one of the greatest examples of community spirit, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated individuals standing alongside us as a team. Their contribution not only strengthens our hospice, but enriches the experience of patients and their loved ones, enabling us to make a difference to more people across Barnsley.
“To every one of our volunteers: thank you. Thank you for your time, your energy, your compassion and your unwavering support. You are an essential part of Barnsley Hospice, and we simply could not do what we do without you.”

Anybody interested in volunteering with the hospice can attend a free public drop-in event at the hospice on Monday 1st June, 9 am – 12 pm. There is no need to book but you can find out more by emailing volunteering@barnsley-hospice.org