Meet Geoff, volunteer driver
“I’m Geoff, a volunteer driver for the Trust. I transport staff mobiles, notepads and laptops. Occasionally I transport patients too.
“I’m a retired research technologist and health and safety advisor, having worked in the steel industry for 43 years.
“I have had plenty of benefit from the NHS over the years, so I initially wanted to volunteer to give a little something back. Living alone I also find it beneficial for my own mental wellbeing to have a useful purpose. This is particularly important in the winter months when my hobbies of travelling in my motorhome, motorbiking and volunteering as a racing circuit track marshal are not available.”
Meet Pat and Vince, volunteer drivers
“Well, where do I start? I think, my volunteering work began for me when I answered an advert asking for volunteer Covid steward helpers. Then when Covid vaccine queues reduced, I enlisted as a volunteer driver.
“My driving work entails transporting patients, staff, prescriptions, and equipment. Although the variety of jobs prevents ever becoming bored, the most gratifying of all is the transporting of people. The vast majority enjoy a good old natter as we travel. However, some seem not so sure of themselves and may need only an ear, silence, or calm reassuring words.
“Pat, my wife, also works as a volunteer. Her role, which may be unique, is defined as a ‘Driver’s Assistant.’ I consider her to be naturally attentive to people.
“From this new venture, we are now enjoying a partnered approach to our driving roles (where seats permit). Hopefully this gives our passengers not just a safe, but also a happy and contented travel experience.”
Meet Yary, Pets As Therapy (PAT) volunteer
“My name is Yary and I volunteer with my dog Evie in the York area. I have a background in mental health and used to volunteer in Spain with my previous dog before moving to the UK. When Evie was old enough to become a therapy dog, I was very excited because it allowed me to return to the field of practice close to my heart.
“We visit the female and male units at Foss Park Hospital every fortnight. We deliver a lots of doggie kisses to the patients who are always happy to see little Evie. They talk to us about their pets and they have the opportunity to be close to a furry friend while they are at the hospital.
“We also support a patient from System House who is afraid of dogs. We meet weekly for shorts walks, give treats and stroke Evie, so the patient can get more confident around Evie and ideally other dogs.
“For me volunteering is very important and special. It’s doing something for others and delivering positive interactions when they are in an environment that’s not familiar and may feel scary. Coming with Evie to the wards help the patients to talk about things and bring a sense of normality while they are away from their familiar things. It always puts a smile on their faces and that is very rewarding.”
Meet Mike, musician and check and chat volunteer
“I’m Mike and my volunteer role is very unique; I play guitar with a patient who plays the drums. We rehearse, and have done a few open mics, which are going really well. I also volunteer in the check and chat role and have regular catch ups chatting about music and sport.
“I have been volunteering since I retired 7 years ago. It’s is ideal for me; combining my love of music and being able to contribute. I have built up a great relationship with the person I support in my volunteering role.”
Meet Sophie, Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) volunteer
“I volunteer with Daisy my Therapy dog at Roseberry Park Hospital. Daisy was a lock down puppy and I wanted to train her as a hearing dog. This meant that Hearing Dogs would have to take Daisy away for a year to train. COVID-19 got in the way and in that time Daisy and I had bonded, so I trained her as an assistance dog instead.
“Daisy can now go shopping with me which helps with my anxieties. I also wanted to share Daisy with others, so I registered her as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN).
“We love to volunteer as it has helped with my mental health and we both get a lot out of it. It’s amazing to see how Daisy gives her love to everyone. She helps them settle in, and feeling calm if they need bloods or minor wounds attending to.
“Daisy helps everyone feel comfortable. She’s a special little dog, my best friend and more.”
Meet Martyn, volunteer driver
“I retired 2 years ago from a busy job which I really enjoyed. After a while I started to miss the interaction I had with people and decided to look at doing some voluntary work.
“I applied to the NHS delivering prescriptions and also applied to work in Middlesbrough Foodbank. I find both jobs really rewarding and love the freedom of delivering the prescriptions across Stockton. I like to think that in some small way I am helping the patients’ family.
“The support I receive from the NHS is excellent and there are many opportunities for free training which could help those looking for employment.”
Meet Rhys, Pets As Therapy (PAT) volunteer
“My two PAT dogs are Lucy and Enya. Lucy is a five year old, fox red, working cocker spaniel and Enya is a three year old sprocker (half working cocker and half springer spaniel). Lucy is Enya’s Aunty.
“I visit three different NHS mental health hospitals, including Foss Park, an inpatient hospital for adults and older people in York.
“I wanted to volunteer for the NHS following an initial PAT visit to a Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient unit. There I witnessed the positive impact that PAT dogs have on both patients and staff.
“Over the last four years, I have seen how our regular visit has assisted, in a small way, to patient recovery from mental illness. When you see someone cuddle and embrace Lucy, saying how they look forward to our visits, and how it is the highlight of their week, it gives me such a warm feeling inside. You cannot buy this, this is why I volunteer.”
