Student finds her calling as volunteer counsellor

3 June 2025 | View all news

“I thought it would be quite sad working in a hospice, but it’s very friendly.” 

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the amazing people who give their time and hearts to our charity.  

One of them is Lucy, who started on student placement and stayed as a volunteer counsellor. 

While studying a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Keele University, 24-year-old Crewe resident Lucy applied for a counselling placement with us.

“Bereavement counselling was the area I wanted to go into most.” Lucy says.

She experienced the importance of hospice care first-hand when a family member was supported by Dougie Mac. That experience showed her how valuable this kind of support is, and her placement helped confirm that palliative care was the path she wanted to follow.

“I thought it would be quite sad working in a hospice, but it’s very friendly and warm. It surprised me how welcoming it was.” she adds.

“The team has been incredibly supportive, always looking out for my best interests.”

Lucy is due to graduate from Keele in July with a distinction, and after completing her placement she chose to stay on as a volunteer counsellor.

“I felt I was able to provide something to the clients I worked with and wanted to continue to do that.”

What it’s like to be a hospice volunteer

“The atmosphere at the hospice and the friendliness of the staff is lovely.” Lucy continues.

“I feel well supported and if I ever need help with something I know exactly who to go to.

“I’m also able to fit volunteering around my other commitments which is great.”

Outside of volunteering, Lucy is also a residential support worker in a children’s home.

In her spare time Lucy enjoys walking her dog, baking and going to the gym to look after her wellbeing.

The difference volunteers make

Hannah Done, one of our full-time counsellors, shares:

“Being a charity, our volunteer counsellors are invaluable. They give their time and skills for free which means we can support more people.”

Their time and care help us run important services, such as our Bereavement Group which offers structured support in a small group setting.

“The group runs over six weeks and each week has a theme.” Hannah explains.

“We look at things like theories of grief, use creative activities to explore feelings, watch short videos, and give people space to share memories.”

The next group is tailored for anyone aged 18-30 in the Staffordshire area who has lost a loved one to an incurable illness. It starts Wednesday, 2 July. You don’t need to have used our hospice services before.

“Our aim is to help people in this age group feel less alone, understand their grief better, and find connection and support with others of a similar age.”

To book onto the group or for more information, please call 01785 270832.

Become a hospice volunteer

Lucy’s advice to others?

“I would encourage anyone looking for a placement or volunteering to do so with Katharine House Hospice.

“It’s a lovely environment and very supportive. You really feel like you’re making a difference here, and the work is incredibly rewarding.”

For more information please call reception on 01785 254645 and ask for Javier Gonzalez-Fritz, Family Support Team Lead. Or email voluntaryservices@khhospice.org.uk.