Celebrating our hidden heroes in National Volunteer Week | News

They’ve supported our vaccination hubs, delivered staff counselling services and kept our outdoor spaces looking tip-top. Now it’s time to thank the 150 volunteers across our Trust who do so much.

With 1 June marking the start of National Volunteers Week, this is an ideal opportunity to say a huge heartfelt thank you from staff, patients and families alike.

Figures for the past year from the Trust’s Voluntary Services team show that our volunteers work an average of four hours a week to help, which adds up to an incredible 31,000 hours across the year.

While the pandemic meant that volunteers were stood-down, many are now being welcomed back. Teams are delighted to see them returning to clinics and across our sites.

Voluntary Services Manager Chrissie Beard, along with her colleague Sarah Allen, run the Voluntary Services team.

Chrissie said: “It is difficult to shine the spotlight in any one area, as all the volunteers contribute to enhancing patient experience and supporting staff, either directly or indirectly.

“We are now in the process of bringing back our ward and clinic volunteers and there are new opportunities for volunteers to join our hydration team in the Emergency Department and support our frailty project.

“We are also reintroducing our work experience programme, offering students and those considering returning to work an opportunity to explore a career in the NHS. There are lots of exciting opportunities and we welcome enquiries.”

The Voluntary Services department is on Level A, in the main reception, opposite Costa Coffee. It’s open for staff and members of the public to call in and ask about opportunities. For more information on volunteering at the Trust, visit the Royal Surrey website.