Karen Baker from North London Hospice on the crucial role played by the charity’s volunteers

A group of people standing on some steps within the House of Commons with their MP — North London Hospice bereavement volunteers visiting Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous in Westminster – (Credit – North London Hospice)

I began my journey with North London Hospice just two months ago, and from the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth and generosity of spirit that fills this place.

What surprised me most was the number of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the hospice – over 600 individuals and growing. Their presence is felt in every corner of our organisation, from our 18 charity shops to reception desks, spiritual support, administration, patient care, and of course, the bereavement service.

This incredible network of volunteers reflects the deep compassion and kindness found within the communities of Enfield and Barnet. Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside these remarkable individuals, and I am continually moved by their empathy, dedication, and quiet strength.

When you walk into the hospice, you’re greeted not just with a smile, but with genuine warmth. Volunteers offer a kind word, a listening ear, and gentle support – often at moments when families need it most.

Their care begins at reception and extends into our inpatient unit, where volunteers sit with patients and families, offering companionship and even spiritual support.

For those who have lost a loved one, our bereavement volunteers provide emotional support through dedicated sessions, tailored to individual needs. As well as Enfield and Barnet, we are hoping to expand our cohort to include bereavement volunteers from Haringey in the upcoming months.

For those who prefer something else, we offer ‘walk and talk’ groups in local parks and from the hospice itself – again, led by volunteers. Our grief cafés, hosted by volunteers, offer a safe space to connect and share. We currently run one at Enfield Town Library and will be opening another at South Friern Library in Barnet later this month.

Support also extends into the home through our ‘compassionate neighbours’ programme, where volunteers visit families weekly to offer companionship and a caring presence. At our Winchmore Hill site, volunteers lead art and knitting groups, and we’re considering emotional support groups at our Finchley premises, including ‘continuing bonds’ exercises.

Our volunteers are the heart of North London Hospice. They help families feel seen, heard, and supported – not just in moments of grief, but throughout their journey. The hospice provides the foundation, but it’s our volunteers who build the framework of community care. Their kindness, empathy, and unwavering commitment make a profound difference every day.

What’s truly inspiring is that while our volunteers already have dedicated roles, they’re always willing to step in and support other areas when needed. One beautiful example is our upcoming Light up a Life event on 30th November. This event honours those we’ve lost, with a tree illuminated by over 1,000 lights, each one dedicated to a loved one.

Volunteers will be there offering hot drinks, handing out tea lights, and most importantly, providing comfort and a warm voice – even when the weather is cold and hearts are heavy. Their kindness and empathy never ends.

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers so please get in touch if you are interested.

Find out more about becoming a bereavement volunteer with North London Hospice: Email [email protected]

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.