Volunteers play a key part at the Trust, and we are expanding our volunteering provision across hospital sites through a strengthened partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity. This enhanced approach will support the continued growth of volunteering and introduce new roles, including Holistic Therapists for the recently opened Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
With more than 250 volunteers in the Trust alone, providing support in roles such as a companion during mealtimes, assisting with patient rehabilitation or simply being a friendly face waiting to help volunteers make a meaningful difference every day.
As part of the expansion Leeds Hospitals Charity volunteers will now be seen around the hospitals in their purple shirts and will be fulfilling roles that enhance patient experience and promote the Charity, which require limited or no clinical oversight. These include Trolley Volunteers, who offer free snacks and drinks to patients and their families, Welcome Volunteers and Piano Volunteers.
Both groups of volunteers play a vital role across our Trust, complementing the work of our staff and helping to create a more welcoming, supportive environment for patients, families and visitors.
Volunteer Gurm Bacchus, who began volunteering for the Trust in 2016 as an Acupuncturist, said:
“Supporting patients living with cancer through acupuncture is a privilege. My aim is never just to reduce discomfort, but to offer moments of calm, dignity and relief during an incredibly challenging time. If even one session helps a patient feel more at ease or more in control of their day, then I know I’ve made a meaningful difference.”
Sarah Rogers, Improvement Lead for Volunteering at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“Our volunteers make a real difference to patients every single day, often at some of the most challenging moments in their lives. By strengthening our partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, we’re able to grow our volunteering opportunities in a way that truly adds value for patients, families and staff. This collaborative approach allows people to use their time, skills and compassion where they’re needed most, and I’m incredibly grateful for the commitment and kindness our volunteers bring to our hospitals.”
Rachel Robinson, Head of Volunteering at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said:
“I am incredibly excited and proud to be working together to increase the support we can give across the hospitals. Volunteers have so much to offer to positively impact patients, their families, carers and staff, and are already making a real difference in their roles every day. I’m so pleased that through our partnership there will be more incredible volunteers providing valuable support across our hospital sites.”
Volunteers are a valued and essential asset to the Trust, giving their time, skills and compassion to support patients when it matters most.
Anyone interested in volunteering in these exciting new roles is encouraged to explore the opportunities available by visiting the following websites:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals volunteering opportunities:
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/patients/get-involved/volunteering/opportunities/
Leeds Hospitals Charity volunteering opportunities:
https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/volunteer-for-us