“Volunteering at Mountbatten Isle of Wight is one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

“Volunteering at Mountbatten Isle of Wight has helped me grow so much as a person.”

— Lauren Jacobs.

Volunteering at Mountbatten Isle of Wight was a life-changing experience for 21-year-old Lauren Jacobs. Initially introduced to the charity during her health and social care course, Lauren returned to volunteer after realising the impact her time here had on her. “Coming back to Mountbatten was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” reflects Lauren. “It’s helped me grow so much as a person.”

What struck Lauren most was the welcoming atmosphere. “Everyone is so friendly,” she shared, describing Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre in Newport as a lively, bustling space filled with laughter and conversation.

"Everyone [at Mountbatten] is so friendly."

— Lauren Jacobs.

Pictured: Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s John Cheverton Centre in Newport.

Volunteering in the gym, Lauren worked closely with patients, helping them regain mobility and confidence. She found the experience rewarding, especially seeing patients’ progress over time. But the benefits weren’t one-sided. Volunteering boosted Lauren’s confidence and improved her communication skills, helping her connect with people from all walks of life.

When she first started, Lauren described herself as shy and nervous. However, interacting with patients and staff every day taught her to adapt her approach to suit each individual, whether it was an older patient sharing life stories or someone struggling with a difficult diagnosis. “Everyone’s ability to communicate is so different,” she noted, adding that this experience helped her develop empathy and flexibility.

Lauren found it incredibly rewarding to help patients regain mobility and confidence.

Pictured: A patient exercising in Mountbatten Isle of Wight's gym.

Beyond personal growth, Lauren gained valuable professional skills, from note-taking to understanding confidentiality. These lessons have prepared her for her next step: studying paramedic science at Coventry University.

Lauren’s time at Mountbatten also shattered a common misconception about hospices. “It’s not a dark or scary place,” she said. “It’s a community focused on enabling people to live well, and it feels like being part of a family.”

Her advice to anyone considering volunteering? “Do it,” she said. “You’ll take so much from it.”

At Mountbatten Isle of Wight, Lauren found not just a place to give back, but a community that helped her grow, learn, and prepare for her future.

Want to be part of Mountbatten’s community? Click here to find your perfect role!