Newcastle Hospitals Charity has celebrated its wonderful volunteers at a special appreciation event at the County Hotel Newcastle in early June, recognising their great work at Newcastle Hospitals each and every day.
These special celebrations were during the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week – an annual week where the contributions of volunteers are recognised across the UK.
During the special lunch, certificates were awarded to volunteers of five, ten and 15 years of service.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity has more than 220 active volunteers. In the last year, the charity has recruited 352 volunteers across Newcastle Hospitals and Partner Voluntary Organisations, with 49 different voluntary roles in operation.
Our volunteers range in age from 16 to 92-years-old and have provided 43,200 hours of their time to complete 10,800 in 2023/24.
June Arnold, Franics O’Donell and Pam Harrison are three of the volunteers who attended the celebration event – they volunteer on Ward 36 at the Freeman Hospital.
June said: “When I left school, I tried nursing but didn’t end up really settling into it. After retiring in 2021, I wanted to go back into a hospital and thought it would be nice to be able to help by supporting patients. It’s an absolute privilege to do this, the patients appreciate us, and we appreciate them.”
Francis added: “When I retired I wanted to be part of something that is a big part of everyday life and payback a little into the NHS to thank them for all the help they have given me. Volunteering on the ward really feels like being part of the team, not just the volunteering team but a team with the ward staff too.”
And Pam, said: “I just felt I needed some structure when I retired, rather than just watching TV or something like that. When I had cancer I was so glad of people supporting me, even just with a cup of tea, it really helps. So I wanted to give something back, and the ward has really made us all feel at home – lovely staff and lovely patients.”
All three agreed that volunteering makes such a difference and is such a rewarding thing to do.
Alison Haigh, Volunteer Services Manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “This is the best part of the year for me, to see all of our wonderful volunteers under one roof and it was fantastic to celebrate the 40th anniversary of volunteers week with this special thank you event. We really wanted to say thank you for all you do every day to support the staff and patients at Newcastle Hospitals.”
Newcastle Hospitals Charity hopes to inspire more people to make a difference.
We are always looking for volunteers in various areas across Newcastle Hospitals – if you are interested in finding out more, visit our website.
Photograph: Barry Pells
