Charity celebrates volunteers with special event

Thursday 22nd Oct 2026

Forest Holme Hospice Charity has celebrated the dedication and generosity of its volunteers at a special afternoon of recognition, generously hosted by Colten Care at its Bourne View Care Home in Poole.

The annual Volunteer Celebration brought together volunteers and staff to recognise the invaluable contribution volunteers make to Forest Holme and the positive difference their kindness, commitment and generosity make to patients, families and the wider hospice community.

Guests were treated to a drinks reception followed by a delicious afternoon tea, complete with homemade cakes specially prepared by Bourne View’s catering team.

The afternoon also featured speeches from Forest Holme staff, who shared their appreciation for the many ways volunteers support the hospice, alongside some light-hearted entertainment, including a fun baby photo quiz featuring members of the charity team.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s Volunteer Manager, Heidi Haagensen, said: “Our volunteers are such an important part of Forest Holme, and this celebration was a wonderful opportunity to recognise everything they do for us. Their kindness, dedication and generosity make an enormous difference to patients and their families, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.”

A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of seven Hidden Heroes Awards, recognising volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their support of the charity. The awards were presented by Rae Pitman, courtesy of Room to Reward, a charity that celebrates exceptional volunteers by rewarding their dedication with complimentary hotel breaks.

A further eight volunteers were recognised for an impressive milestone, each receiving a special long-service badge to mark 10 years of dedicated voluntary service to Forest Holme.

Heidi added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Colten Care for once again hosting this special celebration at Bourne View. Their team went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, and we’d like to thank them for their wonderful hospitality and continued support.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Room to Reward for helping us recognise some of our outstanding volunteers through their Hidden Heroes Awards. It’s a lovely way to celebrate those who give so generously of their time, and we’re delighted to see their dedication rewarded.”

Martin Corrigan, Home Manager at Bourne View, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Forest Holme’s volunteers to Bourne View and recognise the incredible kindness and dedication they show to others.

“Colten Care is proud of its longstanding relationship with Forest Holme, supporting the charity in many ways, including as headline sponsor of its Strictly Extravaganza in 2027. The work they do for local patients and families is invaluable, and we’re delighted to continue supporting such a worthy cause.”