January 29 2016.



Chestnut Tree children’s hospice, which provides care for local life-limited children, has launched a new campaign in a plea to recruit more volunteers in the East Sussex area.

The cost of all care that Chestnut Tree provides is over £3.5 million each year, less than 7% of this is funded by central government. Volunteers play a vital role in helping to provide this care, and the campaign focuses on the diverse range of volunteering opportunities available, the flexibility and the benefits of volunteering.

The campaign will give an insight into the world of volunteering, by focusing on the varied stories of existing volunteers with their different experiences and individual thoughts.

“We would not be able to exist without our amazing volunteers. The time that they give us is invaluable, without them we would not be able to provide life-limited children in East Sussex with the care that they need.” Tracy Luker, Head of East Sussex Fundraising comments “We simply need more volunteers to come forward in the East Sussex area. There are so many different roles available and we can be completely flexible, whether it is just a one off or a regular commitment of a few hours a week. Or you may want to just have a taster session and see how you like it. Please do just contact us and have chat.”

Volunteering roles available at Chestnut Tree in East Sussex are many and varied. They include helping out at fundraising events, on awareness stands, becoming a Buddy and going to activity days or youth groups in the area that are held for the children, volunteering in the Eastbourne office, or at one of the three Chestnut Tree charity shops located in Eastbourne, Seaford and Uckfield.

The reach out for volunteers is part of an ongoing Hands Up! campaign by Chestnut Tree, which has offices in Eastbourne, to raise awareness of the charity throughout East Sussex and aims to double the number of children they can provide care for in the area.

To find out more about volunteering call 01323 725095 or email handsup@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

For further information about Chestnut Tree in East Sussex visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/handsup