Publish date: 4 October 2023
‘Say yes, join the NVS!’ – October is volunteer recruitment month at Northumbria
Northumbria Healthcare is hosting a volunteer recruitment month across October as it looks to strengthen this important support network and adds to its ranks of vital volunteers.
The NHS trust has hundreds of volunteers carrying out a range of important roles across its hospitals as part of its Northumbria Volunteer Service (NVS), but wants to expand and diversify its team.
Among the current crop of volunteers is Betty Scott, who helps at Wansbeck General Hospital in Ashington, where she works in the shop.
The trust recently marked the 30th anniversary of Wansbeck and Betty was invited to cut the cake as she has volunteered at the hospital throughout its entire lifespan.
She still loves her role, saying: “I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and volunteering has given me the opportunity to meet a range of different people and create lifelong friends over the years.
“You’re a friendly face for people to see when they visit, and a smile can really make someone’s day – it’s priceless.”
Another volunteer who takes great value from the role is Stan Noble, who has been a meet and greeter for the last seven years at North Tyneside General Hospital. He is also a buggy driver.
“Age isn’t a barrier when you volunteer at Northumbria, we’re a big happy family who looks after each other – that’s what we’re here for,” he said.
“You pick the shifts that suit you, the flexibility is there if you need time off, we’ll always try to cover each other.”
Their positive experience is shared by almost all those volunteering at Northumbria Healthcare. A survey last year showed that 93% of the 142 respondents 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 underlined 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.
Volunteers carry out a variety of roles at the trust’s hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
This includes facilitating ward activities, acting as befrienders, the meet and greet service at hospital entrances, and working in the NVS shops.
For those interested in finding out more, there are four drop-in sessions taking place across the month. Those attending can enjoy a free hot drink while talking to the volunteering team about the options available and what’s required.
- Thursday, October 12, 1pm – Blyth Community Hospital, NVS shop
- Thursday, October 19, 2pm – Wansbeck General Hospital, NVS shop
- Monday, October 30, 2pm - Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington, NVS shop at the main entrance
- Thursday, November 2, 2pm – North Tyneside General Hospital, Harry’s café.
Those who cannot make a drop-in session can contact the volunteer team on 0191 203 1511 or email volunteers
Media contact
Ben O’Connell, external communications manager, Northumbria Healthcare
Benjamin.O'Connell@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk or 07833 046680.