Life as a volunteer massage therapist

I qualified as a massage therapist in Oxford and, once I had finished my training, I knew I wanted to give something back to the community. I have always loved the healing effect of massage, and I felt it was something people at Sobell House Hospice might really appreciate.

When I first started volunteering, I worked mostly with the staff. It was actually a lovely introduction because it allowed me to get to know everyone before I began seeing patients. I massaged just about everybody: occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, social workers, administrators, support staff. It helped me feel part of the team and understand the atmosphere of the hospice.

Now I mainly work with patients. I come in every other Thursday afternoon and find out whether there are any patients who are well enough and receptive to a hand or foot massage. Then I go round to the rooms and ask whether they would like one. If someone is asleep or has visitors, I simply work around them. Flexibility is important here because every patient has different needs. Some are mobile, some are restricted or have equipment that means we have to adapt carefully around them.

People are at such different stages in their lives. Some patients want to talk throughout the massage, sharing stories, while others close their eyes and simply enjoy the moment. I try to meet people wherever they are.

The patients are always incredibly lovely and grateful. Quite a few have never had a massage before and often do not know what to expect. Then, once they begin to relax, you can almost feel the tension leaving them. I remember one patient who had serious respiratory problems and could not stop coughing. During the massage she gradually relaxed so much that the coughing eased and eventually stopped altogether. She was so thankful afterwards, and moments like that stay with me.

If people are in pain or discomfort, even a short massage can help relieve some of that. Patients often say it helps them feel calm and relaxed, and sometimes they drift off to sleep while I am there. When that happens, I quietly creep out of the room and leave them to rest.

One patient once told me that people are not touched very much when they are ill, and that simple human contact can have such a calming effect. There is something deeply comforting about being cared for through touch. It can help people feel connected and less alone.

Sometimes I end up seeing the same patient four or five times, and over those visits you really get to know one another. I genuinely enjoy going into the hospice. There are moments when the work can feel emotional, of course, but overall I am glad to help people in some small way.