Many would claim that volunteers at LMH bring a special element of comfort and support. It is one that significantly eases the stress for patients and families who are facing daunting and uncertain times. This healing hand often comes at times when it is needed the most.
Lauren Cobb, Volunteer Services Manager at LMH, recently shared her insights into what makes an outstanding volunteer.
“An ideal volunteer”, she speaks with a ray of admiration in her eyes, “is someone who brings genuine compassion. It doesn’t necessarily require having a medical background. In fact, many of our volunteers are simply individuals who wish to make a difference.”
While professional knowledge is always beneficial, it’s the will – the willingness to give, help, and extend a comforting hand that makes a lasting impact. An impactful volunteer is one who is willing to invest time, effort, and emotions in serving others.
The LMH needs a diverse range of volunteers. Some roles involve direct interaction with patients, such as a patient ambassador. These ambassadors offer company, a friendly conversation, or sometimes something as simple as a comforting Handshake that communicates an unsaid ‘You are not alone’.
In contrast, other roles involve working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth operation. For instance, some volunteers manage the front desk, guiding visitors, fielding phone calls or offering clerical assistance.
Regardless of the role, each volunteer at LMH contributes to a larger team effort aimed at providing a comfortable and supportive environment for patients and their families. They become unintended yet vital components in a patient’s recovery journey.
In the complex world of healthcare, volunteering comes bearing both challenges and rewards. Cobb acknowledges this as she mentioned, “The environment can be demanding, but the rewards outweigh the challenges immensely.”
Cobb’s statement acknowledges the emotional toll and physical demand the possibility of such roles. At the same time, it highlights the intangible reward inherent in the act of giving – the personal satisfaction that comes from knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life.
It also bears to highlight the sense of community that volunteering facilitates. As volunteers, individuals often encounter a diverse cross-section of society. This interaction adds a depth to their understanding and a broadness to their perspective.
Cobb concludes her conversation with an open call for volunteers, “We are always in need of compassionate individuals who are eager to make a difference. We provide training, so previous experience is not a requirement.”
This open invitation speaks volumes about the spirit of volunteering at LMH. Above professional qualifications, dedication, empathy, and the readiness to serve are prized.
The volunteers at LMH are a shining beacon of what it means to truly be a part of a community, cementing the belief that, indeed, the strength of a society lies in the hearts of its volunteers.
