Celebrating Volunteers' Week
During Volunteers’ Week, the Trust reflects on the vital role its 249 volunteers play every day, alongside approximately 50 more individuals currently progressing through the recruitment process.
Volunteers contribute in many ways. Some support ward-based activities, helping to enhance the patient experience, while others take on a variety of administrative roles. They are confident using computers, although they do not have access to Cerner. Despite this limitation, their contributions remain highly valuable, easing workloads and supporting teams across the organisation.
Across the Trust, volunteers can be found in many different departments. Any team can benefit from their support. Often, there are tasks that remain on a “wish list” because staff do not have the time to complete them. This is where volunteers make a real difference—helping to move projects forward and ensuring important tasks are no longer left outstanding.
Volunteers are now present on most wards, and as individuals move on, new volunteers continue to join, ensuring support is ongoing. People choose to volunteer for a range of reasons, but one of the most common is to gain experience as part of a career path. The Trust provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to develop skills and gain insight into the working environment.
At present, there are also a number of administrative volunteers who are keen to contribute more widely across the Trust. However, there are not yet enough suitable roles available to make full use of their willingness and skills.
Teams are encouraged to consider whether a volunteer could support their service. Anyone interested in exploring potential opportunities is invited to contact Jane Spayne at jane.spayne@nhs.net to discuss how volunteers can add value to their work.