Publish date: 10 May 2022
High levels of satisfaction among volunteers at Northumbria Healthcare
The clear physical, emotional and social benefits for those volunteering at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have been revealed in a comprehensive survey.
The trust has hundreds of volunteers carrying out a range of important roles across its hospitals as part of its Northumbria Volunteer Service (NVS) and the results of an eight-week survey have shown just how much satisfaction they take from their efforts, with 93% of the 142 respondents saying they would recommend it to others.
Almost all (99%) agreed or strongly agreed that volunteering gives them an outlet to give something back to the community, while 92% said they are proud to be part of the volunteer team and 91% are proud of the impact they can make.
The feedback also highlights the physical, emotional and social benefits that volunteers experience, with 75% either agreeing or strongly agreeing that volunteering helps them to be more physically active and 92% saying that it contributes in a positive way to their personal wellbeing.
In addition, 85% agreed or strongly agreed that it makes them feel good about themselves and 86% believe it can help to prevent loneliness.
Lynn McCormack, Northumbria Healthcare’s operational service manager for volunteers, said: “Our volunteers and the various roles they carry out are such an important part of the trust’s day-to-day operations and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do to support patients and staff.
“We have always been told by those who volunteer how much they enjoy the experience too, but it is reassuring to have this confirmed by this survey, which really demonstrates how much satisfaction our volunteers take in making their contribution to Northumbria Healthcare.”
Roles carried out by volunteers include assisting patients at mealtimes and facilitating ward activities, acting as befrienders, the meet and greet service and working in the NVS shops.
Profits from the shops go into Northumbria Healthcare’s Bright charity, which funds those things that the NHS does not. It goes towards improving the hospital environment, buying specialist equipment and providing the little extras which make a real difference to the experience of patients.
The survey showed that the vast majority of respondents (85%) had been volunteering with the trust for three or more years, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the trust’s volunteers.
More than a third (38%) had been volunteering for six to 10 years, with 10% volunteering for 11 to 14 years and 10% for 15 or more years, indicating how much volunteers enjoy their roles, given their willingness to continue offering their services for long periods of time.
The trust is always on the lookout for new volunteers. To find out more, contact the volunteer team on 0191 203 1511 or email volunteers
Lynn added: “I’d encourage anyone who’s interested in helping out at their local hospital to get in touch, as hours are to suit and our volunteers clearly find that it’s an interesting, varied and worthwhile way to give something back to the community.”
Media contact
Ben O’Connell, media and communications officer, Northumbria Healthcare
Benjamin.O’Connell@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.ukor 07833 046680.