A hospice is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles from charity shop work and fund-raising to working directly with patients and their families.

Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice on Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood, is urging residents of all ages to join its “friendly” team of 600 volunteers.

It costs more than �7 million a year to maintain the charity’s services, and with just one third of its funding coming from the NHS, the hospice says it relies on community support more than ever.

In the past year the hospice supported more than 2,500 residents with life-limiting illness, along with their families, friends and carers.

One volunteer, 67-year-old Charlie Cowcher, devotes four hours a day two days a week driving patients to and from the hospice.

Charlie said: “For new patients I tell them all about the day centre to reassure them. When we get there I make sure they get settled and introduce them. I really enjoy this role, I like meeting new people and I have made some good friends.”

If interested in volunteering contact vanessahill@gbch.org.uk or 020 8320 5812, or visit www.communityhospice.org.uk for more information.