Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
In 1949 groups of volunteers in hospitals came together under one umbrella organisation, now called Attend. There are now over 350 member groups of Attend across the country. Find out more below about the groups, their history and how you can get involved.
The League of Friends of Glangwili Hospital, founded in 1949, is a charitable organisation that raises funds to support the patients and staff of Glangwili Hospital, while also encouraging public interest and involvement in their work.
Glan Clwyd League of Friends, also known as the Urdd Cyfeillion Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting patients, staff, and the overall operations of Glan Clwyd Hospital.
The Friends of York Hospitals works closely with the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Friends of the RLHIM have been supporting the hospital and its patients since 1975.
Friends of St Mary’s Hospital is an independent voluntary organisation providing support and raising funds for St Mary’s and Western Eye hospitals.
The Friends of St Marks is a group of volunteers who support the work of the hospital in myriad ways. The group began its life as the Samaritan’s Society in 1868, and its remit was ‘for the alleviation of some of the many distresses among the patients for which no provision can be expected to be made in the parent Charity [of the Hospital]’.
The Friends of Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital officially formed in 1961, following decades of volunteering in the hospital assisting patients and hospital staff. The Friends support RJAH hospital, assisting with research and equipment funding to create a positive facility for patient care. Volunteers are recruited to support patients and make the public aware of the work being done at the hospital. The League of Friends fundraises in various ways, including retail, events, and sponsorship.
The Friends of One Tower Bridge Road supports residents of the One Tower Bridge Road care home through developing services on sight. These services allow those who cannot leave their homes to feel included in community activities. The Friends provide assistance to activity coordinators during activities and outings, collaborating with staff, residents, and their families.
The Friends fund everything from regular activities to small events that add value to the lives of residents.
One Tower Bridge is a 128-bed care home that specialises in Dementia, Nursing, Residential, and Respite care.
The Friends of Oaklands were founded to support the residents and staff at Oaklands Care Home. On the first Wednesday of every month, the Friends host a Dementia Café at Oaklands. This free event encourages residents with dementia to come, enjoy tea and biscuits, and have a nice chat with each other and the volunteers.
The Friends of Newcross support the work of the home situated within Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Newcross is a purpose-built care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Residential, Respite and End of Life care. The Friends aim to improve the quality of life of the residents of the care home by working with staff, residents and relatives.
The Friends of Milliner house support the work of the home. Situated on the outskirts of Luton, Bedfordshire, Milliner House is a purpose-built care home offering dementia, residential and mental health care.
Friends of Larchwood aim to relieve the social isolation of the elderly in Larchwood by providing equipment, facilities, activities and services over and above those provided for the residents, particularly with a view to helping residents of the care home and elderly people in the wider community undertake rewarding activities.
Founded in 1971, the Friends of King George Hospital is a group of volunteers under the League of Friends organisation, dedicated to assisting the patients and staff of the King George Hospital in Ilford.
The Friends of Horse Fair support the work of the home situated within Rugeley, Staffordshire. Horse Fair is a purpose built care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Residential, Respite and End of Life care. Horse Fair Care Home also provides specialist care for young people with physical disabilities.
The Friends of Cedar House held their first meeting on 2nd July 2015. It came together as a response from Harefield to support its elders living in Cedar House. It was supported in its ambitions by Attend Academy. Other supporting organisations were Harefield Baptist Church, and the Harefield Academy.
Friends of Cathja is a registered charity that provides a unique service to people suffering from enduring mental health problems.
The Friends of Birchwood Grange Care Home support the work of the home situated in Harrow. Birchwood Grange is a friendly care home that offers residential care, residential dementia care and respite care.
The Friends of Barnes Hospital first came into existence when local churches and other organisations in the area decided to provide presents for patients in 1948.
The Barking Hospital League of Friends has been a vital part of the hospital for nearly 60 years. During that time, volunteers have fundraised in all sorts of ways from tabletop sales in the entrance of the hospital to organising a hospital fete, bringing in thousands of pounds for urgent equipment for the hospital.
The Friends of Avery Place support the work of the Acer Court and Alder House Care home situated in Nottingham. Avery Place is a purpose-built care home offering Dementia, Nursing, Residential, Respite and End of Life care. Avery Place Care Home also provides specialist care for young people with physical disabilities.