Our volunteers will sit quietly by a patient’s bedside, read stories or poetry, talk about memories, play music or simply hold someone’s hand. They also offer all-important support to loved ones, whether that is a listening ear, much-needed time away from the ward or guidance on how to access other services.
By being there and giving their time, this valuable team makes sure patients feel loved, while reassuring and comforting their families, friends and carers at what is inevitably a difficult time.
The service was set up in 2019 and supports any patient who is receiving end of life care, together with their loved ones and carers. Our trained volunteers will visit people who are believed to be in the last weeks, days or hours of life at Colchester or Ipswich Hospital and our community hospitals including Clacton, Harwich, Aldeburgh, Bluebird Lodge and Felixstowe General Hospital. They visit those who may not otherwise have visitors, helping to ensure no-one dies alone.
Our volunteers also support our clinical teams, sitting with patients until their relatives arrive and alerting staff to any changes in their condition. They are able to do this because they have the most precious of commodities – time:
Our volunteers have supported thousands of patients and families since the service launched. However, we cannot continue this vital work without the kindness of people like you.
We need to raise £100,000 each year to support our Butterfly Service. The money will be spent funding our Butterfly coordinator roles, training our volunteers and providing leaflets packed full of information for those who face losing a loved one. It will also help meet ongoing costs at our Butterfly Centres, which opened in 2023 at both of our main hospital sites, in providing a welcoming and relaxing space for time away from the ward.
This funding will also continue our Gifts of Kindness which provide information and support to people with life-limiting conditions, their families, carers, and those affected by the last phase of life, end of life and loss.
By donating to our appeal, you can help us continue providing this vital support to those affected and their loved ones and make sure that no one is on their own at the end of their life.
Together we make time matter. Please do continue to support the appeal if you are able to.
Visiting Jimmy's Farm soon? Make sure to check out the butterfly enclosure and see if you can spot our metal butterflies. Read more
Read a heart-warming story about what it means to be a butterfly volunteer and why people, like Lucy Warnes, dedicate their time to supporting and comforting patients and loved ones who may come into contact with end-of-life care. Read more
A dedicated Butterfly Volunteer describes her journey into this role and why she feels it is an important service to be able to offer patients and families who are going through difficult times. Read more
A grateful daughter, who was supported by the Butterfly Volunteers during her much-loved dad's final days at Colchester Hospital, speaks about the value this service gave to her. Read more
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