Kind-hearted volunteers at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and the Queen Victoria in Morecambe have been sharing their experiences as part of Volunteers’ Week.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the thousands of people who give their time to support others across the UK. This year, the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is using the occasion to highlight the vital role volunteers play in NHS care and to invite more local people to get involved.
Across NHS trusts in England, more than 73,000 volunteers already give more than 6.4 million hours of their time each year, helping patients navigate hospitals, providing companionship, supporting staff and making the experience of care even more compassionate.
UHMBT has 296 volunteers supporting its teams and patients.
Anne Pinder, a volunteer on the ‘Meet and Greet’ reception desk in Medical Unit One at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), said: “People arrive worried or upset and sometimes all they need is a calm face, someone to listen and clear directions. If I can make that first few minutes easier for them, then I’ve done something worthwhile.
“I started volunteering after I retired. I’d been a nurse for many years, working mainly in chemotherapy, but I had to take early retirement in 2022 because of my health. People think retirement sounds lovely, but suddenly you’ve got all this time and you miss the people.
‘’You miss chatting, helping, being part of something. I remember thinking, ‘What do I do now?’ and volunteering at the hospital just felt like the right place to start again.''
“I’ve been here about three years now. No two days are the same. One minute you’re showing someone a map, the next you’re finding a wheelchair, or helping someone track down a relative who’s been moved wards. It’s busy, but it’s rewarding.
“A lot of the people we meet are anxious or unsure and you can see the relief when you’re able to help. Even something small like giving clear directions or walking someone part of the way can make a real difference.
“What I really enjoy is the people; both the public and the staff. You get to know the regular teams and everyone is supportive. The volunteer team is brilliant too. If you need anything, there’s always someone there to help. It really feels like you’re part of the hospital.
“I’d absolutely recommend volunteering to other people. It gives you purpose; it gets you out and you meet all sorts of people. I always say, if you’re thinking about it, just give it a go.
“The staff at the hospital work incredibly hard. You see it every time you’re there. They’re busy, they’re under pressure, but they’re dedicated. As a volunteer, you feel proud to support them in a small way.
“For me, volunteering has filled that gap that retirement left. It’s given me structure again, and a sense of being useful. I go home after my shift feeling like I’ve helped someone, even in a small way and that’s a really good feeling.”
Kim Nicholson, a tea bar volunteer at the Queen Victoria Centre in Morecambe, said: “I’ve been here about four and a half years now and I just love it.
“I do three days a week and it gives me something to look forward to. I just thought, ‘that’s something I’d like to do’, so I went round and got involved. I didn’t know anyone here before, but everyone has been really friendly and welcoming from the start.
“I like meeting people, talking to them and helping them. People come in who might be having a hard day and sometimes just a chat and a cup of tea makes a difference. I was a carer for my dad and I’m a carer now. Volunteering gets me out of the house, keeps me connected and gives me a purpose.''
“The staff are lovely and they do an amazing job. When you see what they do for people and how hard they work, it makes you want to give something back in whatever way you can.
“I used to work making parts for aeroplanes, but this is completely different. Volunteering is about people and that means a lot more to me now. I’d definitely recommend it. I think once people start volunteering and stick with it for a bit, they’d really enjoy it.
“I just like to help people. Even if it’s just a cuppa and a chat, it can brighten someone’s day and that makes it all worth it.”
Barry Rigg, Head of Patient Experience and Volunteering at UHMBT, said: “Our volunteers are at the very heart of everything we do and their kindness and generosity make a big impact every single day.
“We are committed to providing the best possible care and so much of that simply wouldn’t be achievable without the extraordinary support of our volunteers. They enrich our services and bring comfort to patients, visitors and colleagues. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers as we celebrate national Volunteers’ Week.”
For further information on volunteering at UHMBT, contact: volunteers@mbht.nhs.uk
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