St. Rocco's would like to congratulate Cathy on her recent Harp Therapy graduation.
Cathy started her volunteering journey with St. Rocco’s Hospice in 2024 whilst studying to qualify as a Therapeutic Harp Practitioner. From the start Cathy knew that she wanted to serve through Harp Therapy to patients and loved ones and during her time at the hospice has successfully delivered several one to one and group sessions to patients. Having never been in a hospice setting before, she was not sure what to expect.
Cathy explained that having previously experienced visiting her grandparents in hospital and how it was a difficult time for her and her family that this inspired her to look into how she could help ease this feeling for others during difficult times. Cathy at the time already played the harp as a hobby and finding that its sound was soothing and relaxing then led her to look into a professional career in Harp Therapy.
In last 12 months Cathy has successfully delivered Harp Therapy to over 100 patients and carers in a variety of different areas, including on the Inpatient Unit, and during Complimentary Therapies, gifting over 100 hours to St. Rocco’s Hospice.
Cathy commented on her time at St. Rocco’s:
“St. Rocco’s has become a very special place to me, and I’ve loved every moment of my time here so far. It was the perfect place for me to volunteer as part of my studies and deliver my project on as it has given incredible insight into how hospices function, the impact their services have and that they have so much to offer to those living with a palliative diagnosis.”
Cathy mentioned that she has found interest in the healthcare sector, and if she were to branch out, she would love to focus her time and effort on supporting those receiving care. Cathy has also been actively involved at St. John’s The Evangelist Church and would love to continue contributing here in the future.
Cathy mentioned how she has learned so much during her time at Volunteering at St. Rocco’s, and she is thankful to all the staff who have helped make her experience one to remember. Cathy’s graduation and her time here at St. Rocco’s have been incredibly rewarding to her.
St. Rocco’s are currently aiming to take Cathy on as our Therapeutic Harpist here at the hospice because of how much of an impact she has made not only on the patients and their families, but with the hospice teams as well.
Cathy, following her graduation has kindly offered to continue to gift her time to St. Rocco’s on a regular basis with one to one sessions.
To find out more about Harp Therapy and our Hospice Services visit our website: https://www.stroccos.org.uk/helping-you
Or to contact our Integrated Palliative Care Hub visit: https://www.stroccos.org.uk/helping-you/integrative-palliative-care-hub or call 0333 3661066
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