The Voluntary Services Team are responsible for recruiting, training and supporting all the Demelza  volunteers and with over 1,200 volunteers in 44 areas it is a very busy department

If you are interested in volunteering we would love to hear from you!

Lynne Clark-Head of Voluntary Services 

I was first introduced to Demleza as a Volunteer Fundraiser in 1996. At that time I worked as an Assistant Manager for Post Office Counters Limited. I soon become very involved and interested in everything Demelza stood for and enjoyed every minute of my volunteering with them. When I saw the Voluntary Services post advertised I soon applied and was lucky with my application and started work with Demelza in December 2000.

In my role I am responsible for recruiting, retaining, inducting, training, communicating and supporting all volunteers throughout Kent, Sussex and SEL. The role is varied across the Hospice sites, Fundraising and Trading and no two days are the same. I feel very honoured and privileged to be able to recruit the volunteers who support the services we offer to the Children and families.

I have four other staff members who support me and the Volunteers in the Voluntary Services Department.

I have been married for 35 years and have two grown up children. My other interests are going to the Theatre, quizzes and socialising with family and friends. I also do ballooning decorating and flower arranging.

Sandra Naylor

I have worked for Demelza Hospice Care for Children since May 1999. I originally worked with James House, the community team in East Sussex before the charity merged with Demelza in 2004.

I am married with two grown up children, I enjoy my garden (when the weather is nice) and spending time with family and friends.

My role is varied, I split my time between Voluntary Services and fundraising.  I recruit volunteers in East Sussex for the shops in our area and for fundraising.  I also give admin support to the community fundraisers to allow them more time to be out and about.

I am really passionate about my role at Demelza as I am very aware of the difficulties the children and families have and feel honoured to be part of an organisation who give them support.

Mary Goodger

Voluntary Services Assistant South East London

When I saw the post advertised with Demelza I was immediately drawn to the position as Demelza has always inspired me with the work they do and I felt that to be part of the fantastic team working to help children and families would be such a welcome experience.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time since joining in July 2012 and love my role with its varied menu of activities. I enjoy meeting volunteers, new and seasoned and getting to know everyone within the organisation.

Previous experience – I worked for KCC as a Project Officer and Team Leader within the Extended Learning Team.  I had a very varied role dealing with various Education Projects, Voluntary Projects and Budget Management whilst also overseeing a team of employees with varying roles across Swale.

I enjoy reading and one of my favourite authors is Martina Cole but I will pick up and read any story that sparks my imagination.  I enjoy IT and have built a few websites for various projects. I am a bit of an entrepreneur and have a small business of my own whilst I also help run my husband’s small business so I keep very busy.

I am married with a teenage son and daughter.

Hannah Shotten

Voluntary Services Assistant Kent

I joined the Voluntary Services Team in December 2010; I was soon inspired by the commitment and dedication given
to supporting the families who use Demelza’s services.

 Before working at Demelza I was a volunteer for Oxfam’s Music Festival, ‘Oxjam’ as a ‘Volunteer Support Coordinator’ for 6 months. This involved recruiting and supporting volunteers in order to put on live music events in aid of Oxfam. I was working in an Admin role at the time, but found working with people really rewarding and so pursued the role as Voluntary Services Assistant with Demelza.

 My role is always varied. I love meeting people who are willing to give their time to Demelza as volunteers and seeing them enjoy themselves; as well benefiting the charity by giving their time.

I have a degree in Film, Radio and Television Studies, and outside of work I write film articles for a number of magazines and websites on a freelance basis. I also love live music and attend many concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Emily Fawcett

Voluntary Services Assistant Kent

I joined Demelza at the beginning of December 2012 and have found the people who dedicate their time to us to be truly amazing individuals. The moment I arrived I was so impressed with how friendly and welcoming the atmosphere at the hospice is.
My role with in the team gives me to opportunity to speak to and meet many of our volunteers, old and new. I love to hear their stories and why they want to give their time and skills to us.

Before working for Demelza, I was a secondary school English Teacher. I often supported students through their Duke of Edinburgh Award and this is now one of my roles here.

I’m always ready for a challenge and I have taken part in many fundraising activities for various charities; including a fire walk and a ‘wear a fake moustache to school day’ – I was the teacher and I kept it on all day!

I have a degree in English from Aberystwyth and I love to read; I can always be found with a book in my bag. My favourite books are historical novels and stories set in the East.

To speak to any of the Voluntary Services team call: 01795 845200 or email: volunteering@demelza.org.uk