Approaching my 62nd birthday I decided I needed to have a job that made me feel like going to work.

Scrolling through Facebook I found the Beaumond House Hospice at Home job advertisement, applied and delivered the application before I could change my mind.

Four weeks later I arrived at the Hospice for my first day and I asked myself what was I thinking. Thanks to the care and support of everyone at Beaumond House a year later I am still here and have no regrets .Beaumond House cares for patients, families, carers and staff, it cares for people.

There is sadness but there is so much laughter and love and I am proud to be part of the Beaumond House team.

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I joined Beaumond House in 2014 and feel I have achieved my ambition to run a kitchen for a charity that makes a difference to peoples lives.  Since starting here I have seen a lot of changes and being able to see the vision for what Beaumond House will be in the future is quite exciting.

I love the flexibility of my role each day is different. I feel proud of the person-centred care we provide, nothing is too much trouble, whether it is adapting the menu to meet a patient’s dietary needs, providing the relatives with a meal, going out to the shop to buy a patient’s favourite drink or food.  Nutrition is a big part of everyone’s life.

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It is good that we can provide homecooked nutritious meals for our patients (some of which don’t have anyone at home to cook for them). It is great that our patients can sit around the dining table together and not have to worry about their dietary needs.

I have helped to raise funds by taking part in the 5k rainbow run, doing a tandem skydive and an abseil (which for anyone who knows me knows I am, not good with heights).

When I saw the vacancy, I immediately knew it was my perfect job- and when I was offered an interview, I was so excited anyone would think I’d won the lottery! Imagine my reaction when I was offered the job.

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It wasn’t just the role of course, but the fact I’d be working for Beaumond House, and until starting I never truly realised just how extensive the services were!

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With any new job, there’s always first day nerves, however the moment I walked through that blue door on my first day I instantly felt at home. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, a true ‘bubble of love’ that encompasses the whole house from staff, volunteer, patient, and families.

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When I started however, I never expected that as a family we would require the services so soon for my lovely Nan. After having been in hospital for a few months, she finally required the calm of a hospice bed.

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What an absolute privilege it was that week that we were able to spend some quality time with her in such calm surroundings, given such beautiful attentive care, allowing us to share some real tender moments that now provide some extra comfort since she passed so peacefully last year.

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People commented on whether it was hard to step back into the house for work after she passed, but in fact I find it comforting. That is testament to the outstanding care she received and what my fellow colleagues provided not just to Nan, but to us as a family and continue to do so.

My involvement with Beaumond House began in 2004 when I started volunteering in Day Therapy  when my triplets started school.  I still volunteer in Day Therapy every Wednesday, also now being a volunteer driver I transport patients from their home and back too.

I currently work part-time on Reception, having previously worked for over 2 years in the Fundraising Department.  Apart from answering the phone and welcoming visitors, I really enjoy chatting to the patients and their families. 

I have witnessed personally how Beaumond House can help in times of desperation.  My lovely Mum benefitted from this fantastic place when she enjoyed attending BH as a day Therapy patient for over a year, giving my dad a much needed and really appreciated weekly break. 

Also, a really close friend used the Hospice at Home service when she was poorly and spent her final hours in a place she felt safe.

In 2019 I took part in the Annapurna Sunrise Trek in Nepal raising funds for Beaumond House.  I raised over £3000 and collectively we raised over £9000 between 5 of us.

I am immensely proud to tell people I work here and am always keen to spread the word about BH and the fantastic work it does for our local community.

I feel privileged to work at Beaumond House and be part of a wonderful team who care for people with life limiting and terminal illnesses whilst supporting their families too.  

I feel a valued member of the nursing team.  

I work at Beaumond House as a Health Care Assistant and I also work in the community for our Hospice at Home team.

I have been at Beaumond House for nearly a year now and I have my dream job!  I love this place and am so proud to put on the uniform and come to work.

It’s a house full of love compassion, passion and laughter.  I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.