Big thank you to volunteers who make a difference
It’s time to highlight and celebrate the amazing work of all the inspiring volunteers, working across the county, as Volunteers Week gets underway.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is thanking all its volunteers who work across its services – in hospital wards, clinics, hospices, or in other areas.
Volunteers Week runs from 1-7 June every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you.
Throughout the week, NHFT will be sharing its volunteer stories, in their own words, on its social media channels and website.
The Trust’s Chief Executive, Angela Hillery (pictured), said: “I want to reach out to all of our volunteers who go above and beyond to help us deliver what we do every single day. I can’t thank you enough on behalf of the organisation.”
Mandy Woolf, Voluntary Services Manager NHFT, said: “Our volunteers are amazing and provide invaluable support to help NHFT provide outstanding care. We always need more volunteers, and we work hard to help place the right volunteer in the right role. There is so much scope and variety. Volunteering is rewarding and enjoyable; you meet lots of people and can make a hugely positive difference to people’s lives.”
During Volunteers Week, there will be a number of NHFT pop-up stands promoting volunteering and sharing information about how people can get involved. Visit them at the Grosvenor Centre in Northampton town centre from 10am-12noon, and at Café Vie at St Mary’s Hospital, Kettering, from 10am-12noon on Thursday 1 June, at Berrywood Hospital on Friday 2 June at Brackley Hospital from 9.30am-12noon, at Danetre Hospital from 1pm-3pm on Tuesday 6 June, and at Isebrook Hospital, Wellingborough, from 10am-1pm on Wednesday 7 June.
Sue Dainty (pictured), who volunteers with NHFT’s Befriending Service, said: “To anyone thinking of volunteering, it is so rewarding; it makes life more interesting and giving your time to others is great for your own well-being. I am so passionate about NHFT; they are one big family, extremely supportive, and I could not volunteer for anyone more appreciative.”
For Natalia Balica, volunteering with NHFT led to employment with the Trust; she said: “I told a few my friends that if you do feel worried about anything just go and volunteer for a few hours and, believe me, you'll feel amazing after that. You'll feel so pleased and so proud that you helped someone feel listened to, supported, and valued.”
Earlier this year, NHFT announced that it had achieved the prestigious ‘Investing in Volunteers’ accreditation – the UK’s quality standard for all organisations which work with volunteers. The accolade recognises organisations which value and support volunteers, and demonstrates the enormous contribution they make to the Trust.
Find out more about how you, or someone you know, could be a volunteer at www.nhft.nhs.uk/volunteer or call 03000 274109.