7 June 2023
Volunteers’ Week allows us to recognise the amazing people who dedicate their time to help and support the people in our care and their carers.
This can include helping patients get to appointments, being a listening ear for those who feel lonely or isolated, facilitating activities in our inpatient services, gathering feedback so that we can improve our services and even sharing their wonderful pets!
This week, we’d like to introduce you to Carol, Dennis, Kelly and Ruby – the volunteers who make a difference to people’s lives across our Trust.
Meet Carol
Carol was nominated and won a 2022 Star Award for ‘volunteer of the year’, after dedicating her time and support for more than three years as a volunteer at Rowan Lea, at Cross Lane Hospital in Scarborough.
Carol was first introduced to the team when her husband, Mark, who had dementia, came into the Trust’s care. Carol worked closely with the team and contributed to Mark’s care plan and the carer’s working group until he sadly passed away from his illness.
Following the loss of Mark, Carol remained in contact with the team, not just the ward, but her newfound friends from the carers group. She uses her own lived experience to encourage and support patients – always with a smile, words of wisdom and knowledge.
A keen gardener, Carol also transformed the courtyard into an area of tranquillity and hope and encourages patients to spend time there to help their wellbeing.
She’s been described by colleagues as “a true friend to Rowen Lea and a great support to staff on the ward.”
Meet Dennis
Dennis was just 11 when his life spiralled into a cycle of addiction and crime. He lost his teen and early adult years to addiction – “merely existing” until a stint in rehab at 42.
Dennis, who was born in Sherburn Road near Durham, started getting into trouble with the police in his early teens – often due to his addictions. At 17 he was jailed for the first time.
In rehab Dennis was taught “what no means” – as well as how to take responsibility for his choices. He now uses this experience to help others as a Trust volunteer.
Dennis became an official TEWV volunteer back in 2019 and offers support to people with addictions as well as mental health difficulties on our wards.
He is a keen advocate of the volunteer system – and urges others with lived experience to come forward and help out too.
Dennis said: “Don’t be afraid to give volunteering a try – as there’s always a miracle around the corner. Don’t focus on the final destination, because it’s the journey that’s beautiful.”
Lisa Cole, the voluntary services manager for our Trust, has praised Dennis for his hard work and dedication to helping others through his volunteering.
Meet Kelly and Ruby
Kelly and Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, Ruby the cockerpoo, spread happiness during their hospital visits, one paw at a time!
Our amazing volunteers and PAT dog handlers play a huge role in helping to enhance patient, carer and staff wellbeing. These furry companions and their compassionate handlers help provide emotional support, reduce stress and put a smile on people’s faces.
Kelly said: “I registered my dog, Ruby, as a therapy pet and initially started volunteering on evenings and weekends, visiting different wards. I knew I would enjoy this, but I wasn’t prepared for the impact it had on patients, staff and me.
“A patient recently said that having volunteers on the wards is so important. A volunteer gives us the gift of their time and whether that’s playing a game with a patient, checking in on the phone with an isolated person, driving them to an appointment or simply being available on ward for a chat, they all make such a contribution.
“Volunteering is so rewarding. I get so much out of visiting wards around the Trust, whether it’s the smiles we receive after a patient has had a lovely cuddle from Ruby, or them giving her a stroke because they miss their own pets, or thanking us for visiting on our way home. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
#ThankyouVolunteers
