Earlier this year, St Margaret’s Hospice Care launched a new initiative to support future healthcare professionals through the Volunteer to Career programme – an inspiring opportunity for hands-on experience. The programme, made possible through a grant from the Rank Foundation, aims to create meaningful pathways into paid healthcare roles or further study, all rooted in the compassionate ethos of the hospice.
Over 12 weeks, Delphie joined this journey, immersing herself in the daily rhythm of the hospice, and discovering the many roles – clinical and non-clinical – that quietly enable people across Somerset to live well and die well.
“I started off two years ago doing beauty therapy, and I did really enjoy it,” she explains. “But I wanted a bit of a change. When I heard about this programme, I thought it sounded really good.”
Over the course of her placement, Delphie has spent time across many areas of the hospice, gaining a rare insight into the diverse roles that make up end-of-life care. From working in the Central Referral Centre—where she learned about referrals and the 24-hour advice line—to supporting the Lymphoedema service and spending time on reception, each experience has offered something new.
Her favourite experience has been on the Sunflower Centre Day Hospice. Here, Delphie has had the opportunity to build connections with patients and support them socially during their visits.
“I’ve connected with a few patients quite well,” she shares. “Sometimes they don’t have many people to talk to, so it’s nice to be there for them. You hear about their past and they want to hear about your future – so it’s quite a lovely little moment that you share.”
The experience has opened her eyes to the breadth of roles in health and social care. “I had no idea there were so many different kinds of physiotherapists and occupational therapists,” she says. “And then I came here and chatted to all of them—they all do completely different things!”
The relationships Delphie has built during her time at the hospice have left a lasting impression. “I’ve got on really well with the staff—we like to have a few laughs.”
Looking ahead, Delphie hopes to stay in the sector. “I’d really like to go into something in health and social care. I’ve really loved St Margaret’s, so if the hospice has an opening, I’ll definitely go for it!”
She encourages others to consider the Volunteer to Career programme. “Especially if you’re not too sure what you actually want to do, it’s a brilliant way to get your foot in the door and see what people do here – things you normally wouldn’t find out about.”
As her placement draws to a close, she feels a little bittersweet.
It’ll be a bit sad coming to an end because I’ve actually really enjoyed it. It’s been a really good experience—and it’ll definitely look great on my CV. But more than that, it’s just been nice meeting new people and trying new things.”Delphie
The Volunteer to Career programme is one of the many ways St Margaret’s is investing in future generations of healthcare professionals. As part of its five-year strategy, the hospice is committed to cultivating meaningful career and volunteering pathways, helping shape a workforce that is proud to provide compassionate, holistic care for the people of Somerset.
