Working in varied roles all across the Trust, the volunteers had the opportunity to take a moment and reflect on the impact of their work, hosted by the Trust’s Chief Executive, the Lord Mayor and with refreshments provided by Leeds Hospitals Charity and The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The aim of the event was to celebrate the growing strength of the Trust’s volunteer community and to recognise the difference they make every single day.
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients, visitors and staff across the Trust. From welcoming people into hospitals at entrances to offering reassurance and companionship, their impact is felt every day, and their presence has a real and lasting effect on those who use the Trust’s services.
Councillor Stephen Holroyd, Lord Mayor of Leeds, says:
“It is inspiring to see the dedication and generosity of volunteers across Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Their contribution goes far beyond practical support – they bring humanity, warmth and reassurance to people at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.”
Last year, volunteers contributed more than 11,000 hours of their time. The programme has also seen significant growth, with more than 200 new volunteers joining over the past year.
The Trust continues to develop innovative volunteering roles, including the “Meal Mate” initiative, which supports patients during mealtimes by providing companionship and conversation, helping to reduce loneliness and make mealtimes a social event. This has been having huge benefits in encouraging patients to eat more, improving their overall health and wellbeing.
A recent addition is Frankie, the therapy dog, who visits The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Frankie is already gaining attention for helping reduce anxiety, boost mood and provide comfort to patients, families, carers and colleagues.
One of the Trust’s volunteers, Debra adds:
“Volunteering here is incredibly rewarding. Sometimes it’s just a small act like sitting with someone or having a chat, but you can see the difference it makes. It means a lot to be part of something that supports people when they need it most.”
Partnership work with Leeds Hospitals Charity continues to expand opportunities and introduce new initiatives, including refreshment trolley services in children’s wards and Emergency Departments, handing out free refreshments to people in those areas, which have received positive feedback from patients and visitors.
Brendan Brown, Chief Executive, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“Our volunteers are a really important part of our hospital welcome and community. The compassion, kindness and time they give genuinely makes a difference to the experience of those who are visiting our sites, whether that’s as a patient, a family member or carer, and even our colleagues. We are incredibly grateful for all that they offer and bring to the hospital environment, I hope they enjoy their moment in the limelight and I look forward to hearing the plans for the continued growth of our volunteer community.”
Looking ahead, the Trust plans to further expand its volunteering offer, including the introduction of an end-of-life support role in partnership with Marie Curie and new opportunities to support and work with young people.
If you are interested to find out about volunteering, see the website: Volunteer opportunities – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.