Volunteering to help our communities
We are reaching out in celebration of the amazing contributions of our volunteers, and inviting others to get involved.
Every day the 1,100 volunteers across Barts Health NHS Trust’s five hospitals* work in a range of essential and exciting roles. From experiencing the frontline in the Emergency Department to helping visitors to navigate their way to appointments, there is something for everyone; volunteers support the entire running of our hospitals.
People of all ages are welcome to volunteer – our youngest is just 16 and the oldest is 92.
Following National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2019), local people are being invited to get in touch to find out more about the advantages that volunteering brings to all.
Volunteer June Silver, 86 from Leytonstone explained: “I've volunteered at Whipps Cross Hospital for 14 years. I'm proud to volunteer for my local hospital as it makes me feel happy and enjoy working with staff and patients. We are here to make a difference, and that's why I love volunteering."
Volunteer and student Cilem Hassan said: “I’ve volunteered at The Royal London for a few months now. I wanted to do it for work experience as in future I would like to be an adult nurse.
“As part of my Health and Social Care course I am volunteering. It’s really beneficial to me – I have had experience on the wards, talking to patients and entertaining them. I feel great – the amount of people you help on a day to day basis is amazing and makes you feel valued.”
Cilem’s fellow volunteer, Samantha Clayton added: “I’ve been volunteering at The Royal London Hospital for a year now. I work as a meet-and-greet representative, taking patients to clinics if they are lost and I’m also a dementia buddy on Care of the Elderly wards.
“I wanted to give something back to the community and gain confidence.
“Helping people makes you feel you are doing something worthwhile and you give 100 per cent of yourself. I would recommend anyone try volunteering.”
Research has shown that through volunteering people can improve their confidence and knowledge through opportunities to get involved in social activities including day trips and parties, training workshops as well as employment programmes.
The Barts Health Volunteer programme is both flexible and accessible, any time a volunteer has to give is valuable.
Nancy Whiskin, Head of Volunteering at Barts Health NHS Trust said: “At Barts Health we are lucky enough to have an ever expanding number of volunteers – now 1,100 and it is truly wonderful to know that so many people want to support their local hospital and ultimately the NHS. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.
“I feel extremely privileged and humbled to work with people who are so giving of their time and who are committed to improving the quality of patient experience. We are continuously expanding our roles for volunteers and encourage volunteers from all walks of life to participate.”
Find out more about volunteering and how you can apply
There is also a Youth Empowerment Squad (YES) for young people wanting to get involved