Author: bsa_mar

Willow Wood couldn’t exist without our wonderful team of over 650 volunteers. One of the largest groups of volunteers is definitely in the retail division – around 230 volunteers who help to sort, steam, press, price, label, stock the shelves and work on the tills. With their help our shops bring in a large percentage of the £2.3million needed to maintain our care.

One committed member of this incredible team is Donna, who works at our Waterloo shop. Here Donna tells why she volunteers for Willow Wood:

“I’ve been doing voluntary work since I was 14 years old. I’ve always loved giving my time to help in various ways for different organizations. I’ve worked in Education for 23 years and left last year. When I heard that the Ashton Waterloo shop was asking for volunteers I went with my friend to see if I could help in any way.

“I love working at the shop dealing with the customers getting to know the regulars. I work in the shop and the cafe. The atmosphere in the shop is excellent. We all have good working relationships and enjoy one another’s company. From sorting the shelves to making cappuccinos it’s a varied day when you are in the shop at Waterloo. “Do you want a brew?” shouts Janet as we start our shift. “Have you had a nice weekend?” another volunteer asks.

“We are all working for one thing to promote the amazing work that Willow Wood does.

My gorgeous friend sadly died in the hospice; I’m doing the voluntary work for her too.

“I look forward to volunteering with a huge smile on my face because I know my little bit is a tiny piece of the jigsaw that makes Willow Wood. If someone said ‘what do you get out of volunteering’ I would say a feeling of achievement, lots of laughs and smiles, friendships and a massive bag of satisfaction.”

Although Donna works at the Waterloo shop, the camaraderie and commitment is the same at all of our eight shops. If you could see yourself helping us in this way call into your local shop, download a Volunteer Application Form from our website or ring volunteer manager Mandy on 0161 330 1100 – we’d love to hear from you, and we’re sure you’ll love being part of Team Willow Wood.

Benjamin Franklin famously said “nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”, and although many a conversation can be had about taxes few of us like to talk about death, especially our own. Willow Wood has decided to confront this very real issue by constructing our own ‘Elephant in the Room’.

The sometimes uncomfortable truth is that everyone will die. Some of us will reach that day sooner than others and it can be difficult to come to terms with that fact. It can also be very difficult to talk about death, whether you are facing your own mortality or that of a loved one.

Nicky Byrne, Willow Wood’s day services lead, chose to tackle this head-on. “We see how hard it can be for our patients and their families and friends to articulate their thoughts and feelings about something that is inevitable. It really is such a huge thing that’s being ignored, it’s a perfect example of an Elephant in the Room. So we decided to use this imagery and construct a papier mache elephant in our START Clinic Arts & Crafts sessions.

“The elephant is hollow and the perfect repository for anyone who wants to write down their feelings. It can be so much easier to do this than to speak about them, yet it can have the same benefit in that once feelings are out in the open we can start to work through them, and towards acceptance”.

The brightly coloured elephant stands in the day services lounge, and anyone can contribute their thoughts or read other messages. Modelled on Elmo the patchwork elephant, many of the squares have the word ‘death’ written on in a variety of different languages so there can be no mistaking what this particular elephant in the room is all about.

Nicky said “It’s a great talking point, and by approaching the subject from such an oblique angle, makes it easier for people to have those discussions, to share our feelings and to support each other.”

Our START Clinic is open to those in our community with life-limiting illnesses and you don’t need a medical referral to attend. If you think that you, or someone you know, may benefit from our services, please ring 0161 330 1100 and ask to be put through to START.

HYDE UNITED WITH WILLOW WOOD!

Willow Wood are proud to announce a partnership with Hyde United Football Club for a joint community lottery with a prize fund of £1,500 each week.

Each entry into the lottery will cost just £2 and 80% of that will be ploughed straight back into grassroots football, with the remaining 20% coming to Willow Wood where it will help care for local people.

Pete Ainger, community & general manager of Hyde United said “Every penny raised through this joint lottery will be going to our local community. The whole of our share will be invested into our youth and community outreach programme; football can bring great benefits such as learning how to work as a team, health and fitness, and it’s great for both social and personal development. It really is a sport for everyone.

“We’re also really thrilled to be working with Willow Wood. Their care is second to none and we’re proud to be associated with them.”

Anthony Lord, head of income generation & marketing at Willow Wood agrees. “We’re all about living your life to the full, and this joint venture underlines that fact. We’re really looking forward to a long and successful association with a great local team.”

Full details of how to play will be coming soon.

Are you tired of the same old routine every weekend? Do you long to do something different and put some excitement into your life? Then Willow Wood may have the answer with one of our great challenge events!

How about diving with sharks – you’re not even in a cage, just up close and personal with the apex predators of the sea! We still have some places left for this bucket list challenge on Saturday 10 March, and there’s no need to worry if you’ve never been scuba diving before as training is part of the package.

Alternatively, how about abseiling down the landmark IKEA building – it’s an incredible feeling climbing over the edge with nothing but two ropes to keep you secure. Safety is paramount however, and specialist company Rope Race will keep you safe and sound as you abseil down the 140 foot high building on Saturday 28 April.

Not high enough? Then the following day you can jump from a plane at 10,000 feet! Demand has been so high for our Tandem Skydives that we’re holding two such days this year, on 29 April and 4 August, but like all these challenge events places are strictly limited.

For more information go to our events diary, or contact Chris on 0161 330 7788 or chris.hayden@willowwood.org.uk.

If your idea of a great night out revolves around good food and good company, why not join us at the start of our gastronomic journey around the globe. Yes, Willow Wood is embarking on a Foods around the World Tour – without leaving our own area.

Every second month we’ll be sampling a different country’s cuisine, and the first stop on our culinary cruise will be for a delicious Italian meal at the Ashton-based San Rocco on Thursday 22 February.

Alternatively, how about a Cocktail Masterclass in the sophisticated setting of the Milan Bar in Lees on Friday 2 February? Learn how to make three delicious cocktails – and drink them of course! With pizza included in the price it’s a great idea for a date night, a girlie evening, or just to celebrate the end of Dry January.

Last year we held a Coronation Street afternoon tea and a Panto afternoon tea at the Daisy Nook Garden Centre. These proved to be so popular that on Thursday 26 April we’re holding a Crimes and Cons afternoon tea. Again, Mark Llewellin will be hosting in his own inimitable style, telling tales of conmen and criminals from the turn of the century. There’s also an evening with here at Willow Wood on 22 March when he’ll be sharing tales from his wide and varied career.

If you’re interested in any of these social occasions please contact Elaine on 0161 330 7788 or elaine.mcconnell@willowwood.org.uk.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes here at Willow Wood? Would you like to gain an insight into the care we give and the services we offer, both in our Inpatient Unit and our Day Services?

Our long-serving support worker, Lynn Gradwell has been conducting tours around Willow Wood for staff and volunteers for some time now and they have been very well received.In fact, the response has been so positive that the tours been opened up to anyone who is interested in finding out more.

As Lynn says “No matter how long you’ve worked or volunteered at Willow Wood, there is always something new to talk about, we are always bringing in new initiatives and services for our patients and their relatives.I’ve been here for a good few years now, and I still really love working here; I’m proud of what we do. People are always surprised at how much more there is to the Hospice than they think.”

If you’d like to take part, please ring the Willow Wood reception on 0161 330 1100 and leave your name and contact details.Lynn will get in touch with the details of her next tour.

People are always surprised to find out just how much we have to offer here at Willow Wood, and not everyone is aware that we have an award-winning dementia service, which offers an outreach service to our community in Tameside and Glossop.

As part of this service we hold a Dementia Carers Support Café on the second and fourth Friday of every month.There’s no need to book, just drop in between 1-3pm and you’ll be assured of a warm welcome.

Nic Lavery, our dementia nurse says, “Anyone caring for someone with dementia can call in for advice, support or just for a coffee, cake and a chat in a friendly atmosphere.You can come by yourself or with your loved one and sometimes just meeting and chatting to others in a similar situation can be all you need.However, our trained volunteers and I will be here to offer any assistance or guidance you may require.”

If you would like more information about our dementia service, just ring 0161 330 1100 and ask for Nic.Alternatively, call round to the next café where you can relax with people who understand just what you’re going through in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

What better way to celebrate St Valentine’s Day than by pledging to raise £100 for what is possibly the best-loved charity in Tameside and Glossop – Willow Wood Hospice?

Yes, we’re asking you to share your love with us, and to raise at least £100 over the year.You can do this any way you want – one of our fantastic volunteers Wayne Robinson has just turned 70 and has decided to celebrate by getting his first tattoo! As he said “I’ve secretly always fancied a tattoo, and decided that if I don’t do it now I never will.I’ve been inspired to have the Manchester bee, and am asking people to sponsor me – once I’ve reached my target the money will go straight to Willow Wood and I’ll go under the needle!”

Volunteers Joanne and Chris Hinds have committed to raise a Ton of Love by organising various events throughout the year, including another of their very popular quizzes at Curzon Ashton FC on 23 February. Joanne said “We hope to get well over the £100, that’s just the starting point.We’re raising funds in memory of my auntie, Beryl Hand and to recognise the commitment and care given by all staff and volunteers.

And brave member of staff Dan Kennerley has committed to having his legs waxed, actually at Willow Wood Hospice! “I’m even going to have this filmed please watch it – it might move you to sponsor me!”

There are many ways to raise these funds.You can take inspiration from the examples above or come up with your own way.What about £100 for 100k? Start totalling up the distance you cover at your spin class, add up your lengths at the pool or from your morning jog – you’ll soon get there!

Organise an afternoon tea, a garden party, a gunge the boss day.Do a dress down Friday at work or your own bake-off challenge.Take part in a marathon, a 10k, a Tough Mudder, there are many to choose from.

Whatever you do for us, we’d love to hear about it and will help in any way we can.To join in with Ton of Love please contact Chris Hayden on 0161 330 7788 or chris.hayden@willowwood.org.uk – let’s spread the love throughout the whole of Tameside & Glossop.

If you’d like to sponsor Wayne or Dan please go to their sponsor pages: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WayneRobinson5 or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dan-kennerley and tickets for the Quiz are available by ringing Joanne on 07772 786704.

If you’re feeling a bit lonely now that the children are back at school, if you’ve recently retired and are looking for something worthwhile (and enjoyable!) to do or if your New Year’s resolutions are to contribute to your community and make new friends, then Willow Wood can help.

All next week, between Monday 15 and Saturday 20 January, we’re holding an Open Week in our busy retail division, so if you fancy being part of this friendly team you can call in and have a chat to see if it really is for you.

Retail Operations Manager Sharon Hodgkiess said “Our shops, cafes and online sales contribute 25% of the £2.3million needed to maintain our services, so it is a very important part of our fundraising activity. With the busy distribution centre servicing our shops and holding clearance sales, and our vans collecting and delivering furniture, it’s easy to see why we need a great many volunteers in our retail operation..”

Mandy McDermott, Volunteer & Community Manager agreed. “It’s an ideal way to learn new skills, gain experience and to share your knowledge and expertise. Although we’ve had taster sessions and open days before, it’s the first time we’re devoting a full week to volunteering, and we’re hoping for an influx of new, enthusiastic volunteers.”

Willow Wood has eight shops – two with cafes – so there is sure to be one which is convenient to you. Our huge distribution centre is just off Oldham Road in Ashton and has a number of different opportunities for volunteers. We need volunteers with computer skills for our Ebay and Amazon team, volunteers with an eye for a designer label or vintage piece to help sort out the many goods which are donated on a daily basis, and volunteers who can drive one of our vans or help with deliveries.

If you think that this sounds like the ideal opportunity to become involved with your local community, then please get in touch with Mandy on 0161 330 1100 or email volunteering@willowwood.org.uk. Alternatively, just call into your nearest shop and have a chat to the manager or any of our friendly volunteers who will tell you why they love volunteering for Willow Wood.

We look forward to welcoming you as a member of #TeamWillowWood.