Emma Swainston, 25 volunteers three times a month at her local hospice - the Hospice of St Francis. She has been a volunteer at the hospice for the past four years. She started volunteering because she was interested in nursing and her local volunteer bureau recommended that this might provide good experience. She works the evening shift where her duties involve helping to prepare a light supper, and taking this round to the patients.

'As I take the supper round I chat to the patients and generally help out with anything that needs doing. I love meeting the patients and spending time talking to them.'

Emma has not been to a hospice before she started volunteering and had no idea what it would be like. However, her main preconception that it might be a morbid place was unfounded:

'There is a brilliant atmosphere at the hospice and it really is a fun place to be. Of course it is sometimes sad but I really enjoy going there.'

Emma now works in a glass shop and has found that her volunteering provides her with a real contrast.

'Volunteering at the hospice is just something completely different for me. It is away from my husband, family and friends and gives me a chance to meet new people. I get so much out of my volunteering and that's what keeps me going back.'