Lauren praises hospice cafe volunteering role as life changing

Looking to support Strathcarron this year as part of our 45th anniversary of the Hospice?

Perhaps you could consider 45 hours or days of volunteering...helping Strathcarron really can be life changing for some.

One of our young volunteers Lauren - who has been helping in our Papermill Café at Stirling Health and Care Village since it opened in September - shares what volunteering means to her: “When I first started I was quite scared to talk to anyone, quite shy and anxious. I was in my own bubble. Now I feel like I’m quite sociable with everybody and I am connecting more with the customers. I will ask if they need anything and I‘m making bonds with the staff members as well. It’s been really good for me.

"I didn’t think a lot of things would come from volunteering at the cafe, but I am really glad I have done it because it’s really turned me around in a good way.

"I’ve got better communication and social skills and I’m learning new skills in how to make the food and barista, how to serve customers and work on the till.

 "I have had a lovely time and there have been a lot of laughs.

 "It’s had a ripple effect outwith the café as well. I’m connecting with people more.

Being at the café has helped me understand what customers need and what I can do to make them more comfortable and at ease.

 "I‘m doing bakery at college and am more confident to ask for the help I need now which I would have struggled with before.

 "I know that Strathcarron always looks for bakers, so one day I would like to be able to bake cakes and they could be sold in the cafes.”

The Papermill Café Manager, Susan Law, said: “On her first day Lauren found it very daunting, but as the weeks have progressed she has become more confident and a very valued part of our team. She is a pleasure to work with.

“I love working with young people and the energy they bring, so I adore being able to nurture our volunteers alongside a really good team who have helped support Lauren. It has been wonderful to see how much Lauren has developed and grown in confidence during her time with us.”

Interested in finding out more about our different volunteering roles or how else you can support your local hospice in 2026?

  Apply for volunteering | Strathcarron Hospice 

Find out more about how you can get involved in Celebrate 45 Years of Strathcarron Hospice 

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