Volunteers Week 2020 - Heather ONeill
My name is Heather Oneill and I am an NHFT volunteer.
I have volunteered for NHFT for about 6 months now but just recently I have joined the new Welfare Calls Service scheme, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I have been very impressed with this service from the point of view of the service users but also the volunteers. We are just a small group of volunteers but it feels like a small community. Both the service leaders and other volunteers have made me feel very welcome and offer endless support, always welcoming feedback and brainstorming ideas on any ways we can improve or tweak this new service to make it as beneficial as possible for service users as well as volunteers.
The service provided to the community through this scheme is outstanding. Many service users make regular use of the welfare calls and it really begins to feel like a friendship. I personally find a lot of comfort in knowing that making that one phone call can really brighten someone’s day and help them to feel more positive – especially those who are feeling alone and vulnerable during these hard times.