Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
14 results
Kennedy Rath, Friends of OaklandsRecently retired, Kennedy decided to spend his newfound free time volunteering at the Friends of Oaklands Dementia Cafe. Having previously been an Optometrist, Kennedy seeks to resume his social interactions through service coffee and chatting with...
Julie and husband Phil moved to Bridgnorth just over 4 years ago, and after renovating their home, Julie felt the need to integrate into their new community, and meet people as well as give something back. She began volunteering as a church stewar...
Jean Ranson, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalCaring and volunteering were all part of Jean's life from a young age. This both supported and led to a life long career as a nurse. Volunteering for the League of Friends was another part of hospital and community life that Jean helped with whene...
The League of Friends of Bridgnorth Community HospitalThe League of Friends of Bridgnorth Community Hospital is a charitable organisation, run solely by volunteers, which raises funds to support the care and wellbeing of patients, former patients, their relatives, carers and staff who are in or attendin...
Friends of LarchwoodFriends 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 car...
Marie Pearson, Friends of OaklandsHaving worked in the care home for many years, Marie wanted to continue her association with the place, and the residents through volunteering. She is a regular at the Friends coffee mornings for residents, where her natural affinity with them and th...
Kate Owen, Glan Clwyd League of FriendsVolunteering actively became part of Kate's life when she was 16. It was foundational to her career as a nurse. Working in both England and Wales, Kate was able to see first hand, the difference a Friends Group can make in a hospital.Now retired, ...
Robert Hackett, Friends of OaklandsA member of the local church, Bob was drawn to the volunteering to support a friend living with dementia. If Bob can help, he does, be it offering communion, helping with activities, keeping the garden tidy, or encouraging friends and family to join ...
Merfyn Tomos, Glan Clwyd League of FriendsIn this interview, Merfyn Tomos, a 71-year old volunteer, discusses his involvement with the League of Friends of Glan Clwyd. He began volunteering after semi-retirement to give back to the NHS, inspired by his daughter's care experience. Merfyn volu...
Gifty Coleman, Ealing Hospital League of FriendsA change in career, and job search for something nearer home brought Gifty into contact with the League of Friends. Almost unexpectedly this has been a very rewarding part of her life, where she can practically express her faith, through caring for, ...
Ann Cousins, Ealing Hospital League of FriendsHaving had a successful career in banking, Ann almost stumbled into a role in the League of Friends. Here she has found new purpose, and real challenges as she has determinedly maintained and progressed the contribution of a traditional Friends ...
Udo Bauer, Friends of St Mary’sFor over 25 years, Udo has been based at the German YMCA, and creating links with the local community, including the Friends of St Mary’s. Volunteers have been involved in all sorts of activities including the café and shop. ...
Beryl Carr, Ealing Hospital League of FriendsFollowing the death of her husband, and a move away from their retirement home, Beryl found herself isolated. At 80, her daughter helped her join up as a volunteer at the local hospital, where over 20 years she has found real friendships....
Bereaved and unemployed, with Covid raging around, Louise was looking for somewhere to get a foothold back on the ladder. Ealing Hospital League of Friends were welcoming, and encouraging. Using existing skills as a ‘subject matter expert’ she ha...