Isobel volunteers as a Ward Activities volunteer with the NHS. Find out what she enjoys most about volunteering and why she’d recommend it to others.
Tell us about your volunteer role and what it involves?
As a volunteer at the Northern General Hospital, I support patients who are in for a long stay to engage in activities that are meaningful to them. These activities can be as simple as having a conversation or playing a card game, or they could be more creative; for example painting, collaging or sculpting. In addition to supporting individual patients on the wards, I also have the pleasure of co-facilitating weekly group arts and crafts sessions in neurorehabilitation where I can employ my skills as an occupational therapist in training.
Why did you decide to start volunteering?
I chose to apply to become a volunteer within the NHS and in particular Arts in Health because the staff work incredibly hard to improve the quality of life of their patients both in and outside of the hospital and this is a passion that I share.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with the NHS? What have you gained from it?
One of my most memorable moments was when I received positive feedback from a patient that I had been communicating with in British Sign Language, I had only just begun learning at the time but I was so inspired by their patience as I fingerspelt my way through our conversation! I brought laughter and a smile to their face by volunteering that day and this has encouraged me to research more about vision and hearing loss.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your volunteering experience? (e.g. any unexpected benefits, your future plans, would you recommend volunteering to others and if so, why?)
I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering with the NHS to anyone who would like to gain experience working in healthcare and simultaneously enhance the experience of patients. I am so grateful for all the opportunities volunteering in the NHS has brought me, such as conducting patient-led assessments of the care environment, and for the opportunities to come.
Inspired to give volunteering a try?
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are looking for volunteers! Have a look at the Arts in Health website and the main volunteering page for NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospitals for the latest opportunities.
You can also contact the Voluntary Services Team on 0114 271 5735 / sth.volunteer@nhs.net
