Celebrating volunteers during Volunteers’ Week | News

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust (MYTT) is celebrating the vital contribution of its volunteers as part of this year’s Volunteers’ Week, highlighting the difference they make every day to patients, staff and the wider community.

Volunteers play a unique role across the Trust’s hospitals, helping to improve patient experience, reduce anxiety and support people to access services. Over the past year alone, volunteering at MYTT has generated an estimated £600,000 in social value.

From welcoming patients and helping people find their way around busy hospital sites to offering reassurance and companionship, or serving in the Dewsbury Café, volunteers make a measurable difference. Patient feedback shows that 96% rated support from volunteers as good, very good or excellent.

Volunteering also brings significant benefits to those who give their time. MYTT volunteers report developing a wide range of skills that support access to employment and personal growth, with 82% reporting improvement in their communication skills, and nearly seven in ten saying that it had improved their self-confidence.

These experiences help build confidence, skills and readiness for employment, even where paid work may not be immediately possible.

James has been volunteering with the Trust for nine years and was named Volunteer of the Year at the Trust’s annual awards in 2025.

“Back in school and college, I was always the quieter student and never had confidence for anything,” he said.

“It’s been a big change for me because I used to say I would never do this, but now I’m a ward befriender and on the guide desk all day on Thursdays. 

“There are also lots of different roles, not just at the guide desk. But really, I just want to highlight the great jobs that all the volunteers do. Just because you’re not paid doesn’t mean you’re not valuable.”

Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “Our volunteers are an integral part of our team at Mid Yorkshire.

“They bring time, compassion and a unique perspective that enhances the care we provide every day. Their contribution not only improves the experience of our patients and families, but also strengthens our connection to the communities we serve.

“We are incredibly grateful for everything our volunteers do, and during Volunteers’ Week we celebrate their impact and the difference they make across our Trust.”

As part of MY Community Promise, MYTT is committed to creating opportunities that benefit local people and support healthier, more connected communities.

The Trust is now encouraging more people from across the community to get involved and experience the benefits of volunteering, whether to build skills, meet new people or make a difference.

Get involved

The Trust is currently recruiting new volunteers and welcomes applications from anyone who wants to make a difference.

If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, you can apply online. If you would like more information, please contact Voluntary Services on 01924 543451 or Midyorks.volunteer@nhs.net