A BOROUGH hospice is asking people to answer its call for volunteer receptionists.

Wigan and Leigh Hospice in Hindley needs volunteers to cover shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays at the charity’s two reception desks.

Former deputy head teacher at St Philip’s CE Primary School in Atherton Linda Owens has been volunteering as a receptionist at the hospice since 2011.

She started volunteering at the hospice after her father was cared for at St Catherine’s Hospice in Preston.

Initially, Linda volunteered on the Inpatient Unit but it was suggested to her that she would enjoy volunteering on reception.

She said: “What I enjoy is that I feel like I’m being helpful and I feel appreciated.

"I like the interaction with other people who work or volunteer here and I’ve made new friendships over the years which will be long-lasting friendships with people from different backgrounds.

"Volunteering here has also been a stepping stone for people I’ve known – they’ve volunteered and it’s helped them to find work afterwards because they’ve learnt new skills and grown in confidence.”

Volunteer receptionists fulfil a number of activities including answering the phone, arranging collections of donated furniture, operating the till, making hot drinks and welcoming people to the hospice.

Linda said: “The roles on each reception desk are quite different.

"The main reception is a hive of activity from when you first arrive to when you leave so it would suit someone who likes being busy and lots of variety.

“Woodview Centre reception isn’t as busy so it gives you more of an opportunity to talk to patients and their carers who come in for appointments.”

Receptionists are needed to fill shifts on Monday morning and afternoon, Wednesday morning and Sunday morning.

Volunteers also need to fill other roles including administration assistant, in the charity’s shops, as a driver or driver’s mate and in online sales.

By giving their time volunteers support the delivery of many of the services the hospice provides and enables the charity to keep costs down.

More details on the roles and how to apply are available at www.wlh.org.uk under "Working With Us".

Applicants can also phone 01942 525566 for more information.