Hear from our volunteers

Kieran started volunteering with us while at university and has now gone onto Graduate Medical School! We asked him to tell us more about his experience...

How long have you been volunteering and what made you want to be a volunteer?

I have been volunteering with the Trust since early 2023 and started in the A&E department before moving to the Guides desk at the front of the hospital. I started volunteering as I wanted to go to medical school and thought that this would be the best way to gain the experience required, and it was! However, I found that I also really enjoyed volunteering due to the teamwork between ourselves as volunteers and other members of staff. 

What does being a volunteer mean to you and how has it supported your studies or career?

Volunteering has supported my career massively, not only by helping me tick the box on the application form but providing me with life skills and opportunities to do things I normally wouldn't have got to do. Volunteering has been a big component of my life and even when leaving for Medical School I do still try to make the effort when I am back. To me it's a hobby and a chance to do something productive and beneficial for patients, even if it is only a small contribution

Why do you think we need volunteers at the Trust? How do they make a difference?

Volunteers make a huge difference at the Trust as we are on hand to make an impact in patients’ lives and often perform minor tasks that staff are unable to do due to time constraints. For example, in ward areas, volunteers can sit with patients who feel lonely or upset and provide company, making them feel better about themselves. 

In my role as a guide, I have encountered many patients who have left a clinic appointment and are struggling with sorting transport home or need assistance getting around the hospital. It goes beyond just giving out directions. I think that the Trust-volunteer relationship is synergistic in a way because as volunteers we feel supported by the admin team and not just when volunteering (my career development for instance). 

What have been your highlights so far?

There have been way too many highlights to mention in a short paragraph! However, from a patient perspective, being able to calm a few worried patients and take the stress out of the hospital visit by helping them with the logistics has been amazing. From a career development point of view, being nominated for and then the next year winning volunteer of the year at the awards! Also, being able to attend board meetings and represent the volunteer service as this has given me valuable life experience.

What would you say to someone who's considering volunteering?

Just apply! If you've considered it you already have the willingness to turn up and that alone is what will benefit patients and yourself.

 

We recently spoke to James, one of our ward befrienders and guide desk volunteers.

How long have you been volunteering and what made you want to be a volunteer?

This is my ninth year. Back in school and college, I was always the quieter student and never had confidence for anything. My sister encouraged me to apply and helped me with it. 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.

What does being a volunteer mean to you and how do you think you've changed as a person?

It definitely means helping people out, because I’ve always been that kind of person. If I can help people, I will help people. Volunteering has given me confidence, even with speaking. I have cerebral palsy and my speech is not too perfect for speaking, but volunteering has really helped me since I started here.

Why do you think we need volunteers at the Trust? How do they make a difference?

At the guide desk we’re often the first contact for people. We show them where to go, sometimes take them places, and even help in stressful situations. I’ve had people thank me after taking them to appointments in a wheelchair. 

What have been the highlights so far?

I won Volunteer of the Year for helping a woman who was in labour. I managed to get her to maternity just in time. It was a bit of a shock because we’re not medical staff, but it’s good to do such important work. It’s also really nice to make friends with people I volunteer with and talk to people. A lot of staff are grateful too.

What would you say to someone who's considering volunteering?

I’d say every day is different. Some days it’s quiet, other days it’s really busy. You get the variety, you know? It's not boring. There are also lots of different roles, not just at the guide desk. I like that the t-shirts are brightly coloured so people know where you are. 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.

Frankie, Emergency Department Volunteer and retired midwife, said:

"The best feeling as a volunteer is having TIME. Time to sit and chat, time to empathise, time to make that perfect cup of tea or just offer a fresh pillow!"

Kim, Emergency Department Volunteer and retired Community Neurology Service Manager, said:

"The ED can be very busy at times, and it is rewarding to know I can help with some of the non-clinical tasks. Patients are very appreciative, and I have met a lot of interesting people.

"After working in the NHS for 30 years, it's great to still be able to support my NHS colleagues by volunteering and remain part of the NHS family."

Pat, Admin Volunteer and retired Trust Lead for Apprenticeships, said:

"Why do I volunteer? There are several reasons for this. Some of them are for my benefit and some are for the benefit of others.

"I enjoy keeping my brain active, being part of a team, solving problems, keeping links with people I have worked with during my 21 years as a member of staff and helping and supporting others by using the skills and knowledge I have gained over the years."

Bill, MY Café Volunteer and retired NHS Payroll Employee, said:

"My choice was to join the team working in the community café, as this involves meeting staff, patients and visitors, helping to make their visit stress free and gives a tangible benefit to hospital funds for patient services.

"I did not join the NHS until late in my career, but I had worked in the public sector previously, and I feel there is a feeling of being part of something rather than just an employee. I would encourage anyone who shares these values to consider volunteering after retirement."