No one should have to face the end of life on their own. That’s why we have NODA volunteers – specially trained volunteers who sit with patients in their final hours, offering comfort, company and calm.

Meet one of our volunteers – Victoria, originally from Poland, who moved from London to St Leonard’s on Sea in 2023. Life by the coast has brought her a slower pace and a deeper appreciation for meaningful connections. Here she shares why the role has become hugely important to her.

Why did you choose to become a NODA volunteer?

“I was a carer for my grandmother for 15 years and when she passed away in Poland, I couldn’t be with her. She was alone in that moment, and it has always stayed with me. No one should be alone at the end of their life, so when I saw the NODA project on the Hospice website, I immediately felt it was something very close to my heart.”

What does the role involve?

“After I completed the training, in my first month, I sat with a patient in his final moments, and he passed while I was there. I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt no fear only compassion. Being present at the end of someone’s life is an incredible honour. People can feel frightened or alone, so if I can help someone feel even a little bit safer, simply by offering a sense of calm, it feels really valuable.”

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

“Volunteering is a way of sharing the blessings we receive in our own lives. It allows you to give your time and presence in a way that truly matters. You also meet wonderful people with the same compassion and heart, and you become part of St Michael’s Hospice which is very special.”

Visit stmichaelshospice.com/noda if you’d like to find out more about the NODA project and its volunteers.