Meet Paul W…
Do you know about our Living Well Service? This support is designed for people with a life-limiting illness and families in North East Worcestershire.
Our support is aimed at enhancing your wellbeing and increasing your happiness, whilst meeting your individual needs. Whether they be physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual.
We spoke to Paul Whitehouse who kindly volunteers his time every week to run our popular art group for our patients. Paul has come full circle through Primrose, from being supported as a patient before he had his life-changing heart surgery to then go on to become a volunteer.
Watch his video or read his words below:
“I’ve come to volunteer with Primrose through a rather unique door. I was formerly a patient, as I had serious heart failure. I had been given three months to live and it was suggested I came to visit Primrose. I wasn’t sure at first, but it was the best thing I ever did.
I was at a point in my illness where my cardiologist said, there is some clever people at the QE Hospital fitting electric hearts for people, which I could have, and I thought I’ve got nothing to lose. So I had the procedure and I now carry around a battery pack and run on electric! I always said to my family, if I get through this I’m going to come back and volunteer at Primrose – so that’s what I did!”
Tell us about how you started volunteering with the Art Group?
“Initially I was asked to help run a card group for a group of gentlemen, which I did for a while and then I went on to run the art group on a Tuesday with support from other volunteers.
I’ve always painted even when I was a soldier. I’ve always found the medium of art, be it a cartoon painting or sculpture so enthralling and so rewarding. It doesn’t really matter what it looks like, whether you can only manage a stickman or a Goya, everyone is welcome at our art group.
I’ve been a volunteer for around five years now and I look forward to coming every week. It’s lovely to see people having fun and also getting
something out of it. For me it’s about the friendships and camaraderie the patients form from coming to the Hospice. The painting and drawing is almost secondary!
I always say we may not all be in the same boat, but we’re certainly on the same stream. Sometimes in the group and indeed in other groups, you can say things that you wouldn’t say to your family. I think the fact that everybody including me, having been a patient can begin to understand what others are going through.”
Primrose Hospice offers support groups and sessions aimed at improving your mental health and helping you find ways to cope better with your symptoms to enable you to manage and maintain your quality of life.
As well as our Art Group, our Living Well Service offers groups like: Yoga, Tai Chi, Therapeutic Singing, Breathwork and much more. We also offer one-to-one therapies such as reflexology, hypnotherapy, massage, and Reiki.
Could you pick out a favourite moment that you’ve had since volunteering at Primrose?
“There have been a couple of patients who’ve come to the group who I’ve seen flourish. One gentleman I remember was quite withdrawn with everything regarding art, but over time he became more confident and even does art at home now, and brings his art in to show me. It makes me want to do backwards somersaults, because you can see the joy in his face.
It’s the fact that Primrose, myself and our other wonderful volunteers create an environment where there is no criticism, they can just go with the flow and do what they want to do.”
What would you say to someone who may be worried about coming to Primrose?
“You are coming into a very safe environment. There are so many things you could do. I’m surprised you don’t do welding to be honest,
because it’s the only thing I can think of we don’t do or you can have a great day doing diddly squat with your feet up.
If you need a bit of extra help in any particular way, regarding your illness, even down to things like applying for a blue badge. The team can help with things like that, which may be worrying you at home. When you come to Primrose you can just enjoy yourself – it’s wonderful.
Speaking from personal experience, patients coming to Primrose also gives their family or carers a vital break. That is something that always stuck with me, because you need a break sometimes, otherwise you get stuck on the same tracks.”
Why do you think people should volunteer with Primrose?
“The first thing I’d say if you don’t volunteer you’re really missing out. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a particular talent. If you’ve got time on your hands, volunteering could open your eyes to a whole new world.
You’ll meet some really wonderful people, it’s the best job I’ve ever had and not been paid for. I’ve done a lot of jobs!
Primrose Hospice is a place which wouldn’t work without everybody. There’s no question of that. It’s a people place run by people for people.
I’m a great advocate for Primrose, I personally take it as a pleasure to come here every week.”
Our Living Well Service is open to patients, family members and bereaved clients. If you are interested in receiving support from Primrose Hospice you can refer yourself to our support services. Find out more about making a referral here or click the button below to find out more about our Living Well Service.
Alternatively, you can ask any healthcare professional to make a referral on your behalf.
If you’d like to find out more about joining our volunteer team visit this page or contact Jo our Volunteers’ Manager below:
T: 01527 871051
