A true advocate for volunteering

Steve Molyneux is the Clinical Lead and Head of the Psychological Support Services Department at St. Raphael's and has an extensive career as a BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist; Couples Therapist & Group Facilitator, practitioner led researcher and most relevant for this nomination as a qualified highly experienced clinical supervisor.

Steve led his volunteer team comprising our Volunteer Pastoral Care Sister, 4 Bereavement Support Volunteers and 8 Volunteer Counsellors through the challenges of a pandemic maintaining a seamless service to the patients and those important to them. He is highly respected by the entire multi-disciplinary team and is a born leader.

As soon as he was appointed as head of department Steve embraced volunteers and ensured that he could offer up to 8 placements for trainee counsellors much sought after placements in the London area. At the first lockdown Steve ensured that these invaluable placements could continue with the pre and post bereavement sessions via secure video calling and his regular weekly supervision sessions became of paramount importance to both the students and Steve.

Steve is a true advocate for volunteers and supports every team within the hospice offering psychosocial support to our patient facing volunteers such as ward companions, compassionate neighbours etc and truly understands the value and impact that the embedded volunteer cohort have on our hospice, the patients and those important to them.

He is a great ally and support system for the Volunteer Services Lead and ensures that Sister Ann, the Pastoral Care Sister maximises her potential and utilises her prior experience gained in California setting up Bereavement Support Groups. He ensures the bereavement support volunteers feel comfortable in their telephone led role facilitating training prior to starting in role and access to regular support and bespoke training.

Steve arranged an end of placement group peer lunch for the trainee volunteers who together have provided more than 1000 bereavement counselling sessions for families and carers.

“Being with Steve is being with generosity. It conveys itself through his unconditional support, guidance and facilitation. His dedication to his work as Head of Psychotherapy Service at St Raphael’s and Supervisor is inspirational. I am privileged to continue benefiting from his wealth of experience and am grateful to have become part of a team that feels like home.” Alexander Filmer-Lorch (4th year counselling student volunteer)

“I really enjoyed the chance to get together with you and the rest of the team last week. Such a lovely group of people. Thank you for taking us all to lunch and for sharing your wealth of knowledge. It feels somewhat daunting to think about going into private practice but our conversation was really reassuring.” Sam – (Newly qualified Counsellor)

“Finding the right placement is so important when you are just starting out. When I came to the hospice, Steve was so welcoming. I was understandably nervous, but he was so nurturing & encouraging through my journey.” Ali 03/08/22

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