Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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Search below, or explore our curated albums to discover stories with common themes.

Claire shares her experiences of receiving an ABI and finding a new purpose along with it. She talks about her time volunteering and how it has inspired her to start her own blog and write a book.

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Story: Claire Bullimore – London

Chris was introduced to the League of Friends of Uckfield Hospital by an ex-colleague. He was encouraged to take up the role as Treasurer of the League. Chris had been in and out of hospital a few times and wanted to give something back.

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Story: Chris Bendall – East Sussex, Uckfield

Namrata ‘Nami’ Walia originally began her career as an accountant for the NHS. In this interview Nami share how the pivot to volunteering and working within a charity has given her great satisfaction and new knowledge about different health conditions.

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Rachael Talbot has been volunteering with Acorn Lodge, working with students and encouraging them to volunteer for the last 10 years.

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Story: Rachael Talbot – Nuneaton

Samira Abu, Friends of Aspen Court

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Story: Samira Abu – London

For most of her life, Riki has been involved either with schools or with care homes. She also studied psychology for 3 years, knowing that she would end up working in the care sector.

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Story: Riki Bill – Bedfordshire, Luton