South Eastern Trust celebrates the contribution of amazing volunteers
Valued Volunteers from across the South Eastern Trust came together at the Ulster Hospital to help produce a future strategy for volunteering, aimed at finding the best way forward to benefit patients, staff and of course the volunteers.
With over 400 volunteers, the Trust is fortunate to have more volunteers than any other Health & Social Care Trust in the Northern Ireland.
Volunteers work, in hospitals and in the community, carrying out a wide range of roles.
These dedicated Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 16 to over 80, bring a wealth of experience and an invaluable willingness to contribute their time and skills.
An incredible 15% of the volunteers are students aged 16-18 years and have said that volunteering not only helps build their skills, but also helps them make more informed career choices.
Volunteer, John Culbert, who has been volunteering for two months, explained: “Volunteering can be flexible and this really works for me. I would really recommend it, it is great to be able to meet people and help them, I love it.”
Director of Planning, Improvement and Informatics, Helen Moore commented: “We are very proud of volunteering within the South Eastern Trust. “Our Volunteers are part of the family and are central to shaping the way forward.
“Their involvement enriches the services we offer and enhances the wellbeing of our patients and staff. I would like to thank all our Volunteers for their continued dedication and commitment.”
Volunteer Services Manager, Sonya Duffy added: "We believe in the importance of involving Volunteers, not only for the positive impact they have on patient care, but also for the benefits they receive.
"Many of our Volunteers report that volunteering helps them stay physically active and mentally well, feel less socially isolated and gives them a sense of giving back to the hospital and community.
“The event was very well attended by both Volunteers and staff across all departments within the Trust. It was an opportunity to discuss what works well and what positive changes we can make for the future.
" I am looking forward to developing the strategy and taking volunteering to the next level.
“The Trust hopes that by working together with our Volunteers, the new strategy will enhance their experience and involve them further in Health and Social Care.”