Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) will join hospitals, charities and voluntary sector organisations throughout the UK to celebrate and thank their volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week.
Now in its 40th year, Volunteers’ Week (3 – 9 June) is a national event to raise awareness, recognise, celebrate and give thanks to all the volunteers up and down the country who give their energy, skills, and time to helping and supporting others.
At WWL, over 300 volunteers’ dedication and commitment will be recognised with special celebratory coffee and cake sessions across WWL’s sites to say thank you.
Voluntary Services Manager, Nadia Bousseau said: “Our wonderful team of over 300 volunteers freely dedicate their time and skills to helping our patients and staff across all of our sites.
“Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to thank and recognise every one of them for everything they do.”
WWL recruits volunteers from all backgrounds from the age of 16 and those wishing to support the Trust can do so in a number of roles including, drivers, fundraisers, chaplaincy and spiritual care, veteran support and café and shop volunteers, among many, many other interesting and fulfilling areas.
One WWL Volunteer, Neel Patel, used his experience of helping others at the Trust to become a Nurse Associate, 16 years after beginning his inspirational journey as a volunteer then working as a housekeeper within the A&E department.
Speaking about his experience, Neel said: “From starting as a volunteer at WWL I have learned so much and I am incredibly proud of all my achievements and the path I have taken to now become a fully qualified Nurse Associate.
“In my role as a volunteer, I was able to support staff and care for patients to enhance their experience, helping with extra support for the patients at mealtimes, with their nutrition and hydration and putting anxious patients at ease.
“I did not ever think I would be where I am today at WWL and I would say that if you have a dream, catch it and work towards it and volunteering is a great way to start.”
WWL’s Chief Nurse, Kev Parker-Evans said: “Volunteering is an enriching and rewarding experience, helping others and giving something back to the community. It also provides volunteers with the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, whilst gaining new experiences and skills.
“I would like to give my heartfelt thank you to all our WWL volunteers. You truly are the unsung heroes of our WWL team, and we really value the time that you give, always going above and beyond to help our patients, visitors and staff.”
Anyone wishing to discuss becoming a volunteer, or further information on the variety of volunteer roles at WWL, should email volunteer@wwl.nhs.uk or call 07899 039 955.