Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
150 results
Joan Key, Friends of King George HospitalOn retirement, Joan was looking for something to keep her active, and as her family had benefited from the local hospital, this was where she began.Regular shifts in the Friends shop gave a welcome structure. Some forty years later, friendships made ...
Sona Sladkova, Friends of Aspen CourtInitially working for a volunteering charity, Sona decided to take the step herself. Taking the Chair of a friends group that is very close to where she lives, she has initiated a regular cafe, and enjoys writing bids to raise funds. Alongside this S...
Catherine Wood, Friends of OaklandsA move to a portfolio career in nursing, gives Catherine the time to consider ways to volunteer in her community. A care home provides the perfect opportunity for a new project, supporting not only the residents and families, but by creating a regula...
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 ...
Pauline Spratt, The Burton Hospitals League of FriendsPauline Spratt reflects on her 40-year commitment to volunteering with Burton Hospital League of Friends. Inspired by a lifelong interest in nursing, Pauline joined the League in her late 30s, organising community fundraising events such as fun runs,...
Kathleen Fox MBE, The League of Friends of the Deeside Community HospitalHer family, the community, and faith were hallmarks of Kath's life, and core to everything she did. As the eldest of six children caring was a natural part of every day life. It came as no surprise that nursing was her chosen career. Eventually...
Ian Maine, Avenue Child Contact CentreHaving used similar services years ago, even gives a unique insight into the value of a child contact centre, and how important it can be to reassure parents and children both during the visit, but also in maintaining the health of the longer term re...
Lindy Pearman, Avenue Child Contact CentreLindy's connection to the Avenue Church, and previously with Southend Council Social Services, highlighted to her the importance of being involved with the Contact Centre. She has always volunteered with children and is also a carer in a dementia hom...
Patricia Daniels MBE, Chester Childbirth AppealFollowing a career which began in 1946 in nursing, and retiring as a Tutor Midwife, Pat looked for ways of supporting her beloved NHS. Following discussions with the hospital, and with the support of others she founded Chester Childbirth in 1991....
Zenaide Dlamini, Friends of Newcross Care Home Studying in sixth form meant that Zenaide had to get involved in volunteering. It clearly has become more to her, as she lights up talking about her developing friendships with residents.Unexpectedly it turned into paid work, and Zenaide shares he...
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...
Dorothy Schofield and Gaynor Hughes, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalDorothy and Gaynor are clearly a 'force of nature' in their community. Friends since the 1980's, they have constantly focused on fundraising in Welshpool. Through Fetes, Flag Days, Cocktail Parties, Coffee Mornings, they have worked, and rai...
Sheila Ashley and Ivor Ashley, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalIn the mid 1990’s it was the simple request of a friend that got Ivor and Sheila involved in volunteering for their local hospital. Some 30 years later, their sense of pride in the hospital and the community it serves shines through. Alongside c...
Jayne Vaughan, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital Following twelve months in hospital, and a significant rehabilitation programme, Jayne moved from Bolton to be near her sister. Her warmth and enthusiasm for the difference the volunteering has made to her life tumbles out of her. She can't ...
Elaine Tinsley, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalAn early career in the hospital meant Elaine always felt an affinity to it. On retirement she began volunteering, which turned in to a new career in the finance office. Elaine describes the League of Friends as feeling like a 'family', with the hu...
Elaine Leek, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalAt the back of her Church, Elaine discovered an advert for more volunteers at the local hospital. Her roles have developed and changed. Her smile and enthusiasm is infectious as she talks about the satisfaction she gets from the small tasks ...
Gordon Williams, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalGordon was in the armed forces for twelve years, and you can tell the moment you meet him. It's something to do with the bearing, the approach. It's the same with all the volunteers on the Veterans unit. The pride they have in the service they are...
Beryl Angel, The League of Friends, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic HospitalOn retirement from the NHS, the next logical step for Beryl was to begin volunteering for the Friends. The Flower Guild, arranging flowers in the Chapel, was a good starting point, but Covid brought this opportunity to an end. Today Beryl regularl...
Faith Humphries, League of Hospital Friends Mansfield & SuttonAs a patient in the local hospital, Faith decided to give back by helping out with the Friends. Her sense of humour, and natural ability to get along with people meant she was soon involved in lots of people facing roles. Her interest and e...
Jayne Mott , The Friends of Shrewsbury and Telford HospitalJayne Mott shares her long-standing involvement with the Friends at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, starting in the mid-nineties. She describes how she was initially encouraged to join by friends, and later held several leadership positions, including C...