Volunteers' Week

"I want say a massive thank-you for all the amazing work that all of our wonderful volunteers do across BWC.

"The contribution of our volunteers is often unseen, however the impact of your efforts on our women, our children and our young people, as well as all our colleagues that work across BWC is absolutely immense. You should all be really proud of your own personal contributions.

"The impact you have is huge. During the last year alone, a staggering 150 volunteers have supported BWC and have donated over 7,300 hours through a variety of roles. This has included admin support, putting infant feeding packs together for new parents, offering play and activities in outpatient areas to help provide a distraction for children waiting for outpatient appointments, supporting wards across the whole organisation as well as helping out with various events and celebrations.

"A number of volunteers have also been absolutely fantastic in supporting the hospital during the course of the Bank Holidays, particularly with the additional holidays in May and during some of the recent industrial action.

"It’s also really important to say a special thank-you to all of our amazing young volunteers, including the wonderful YPAG and Think4Brum members, who continue to help us and to challenge us to make improvements across the organisation.

"There is little doubt we really do have volunteers that go above and beyond and are always willing to help BWC in any way that they can and I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you for everything you do for us.

"I hope you all have a wonderful Volunteers’ Week. I hope you can enjoy the chance to pause and reflect on your personal contributions and to celebrate that because you all absolutely deserve it."

Why did you volunteer at BWC?

I applied through a national campaign for volunteers in 2018 and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust was listed as an opportunity. As I had visited the Children’s Hospital myself and had grandchildren and other family members who used their services, I thought it was a worthy place to volunteer.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

I like helping and giving something back to the community now that I am retired and have the time. I have always had a great interest in the NHS – totally different to my working career and I wanted something where I would get to meet people and be more front-line.

If you could sum up volunteering in 3 words, what would you use? 

Rewarding

Enjoyable

Enlightening

What would you say to anyone who wanted to volunteer at BWC?

Go for it! Be open-minded and willing to do whatever is needed – it is the needs of the ward rather than focus on your role – you need to be adaptable and remember you get out of it what you put in.

Why did you volunteer at BWC?

I started to volunteer because my brother had passed away in a hospital in Yorkshire, and from then, I felt inspired to support people who go through difficulty. I believe it is in my nature to support and help others, so I wanted to do something for others. I also like to offer my support and time to local charities, I try to give out in many ways that can benefit individuals, even if it is in the smallest way.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

Mostly, I enjoy learning new things, which helps me to help families and children. Due to the nature of my role, I am doing many different things from making teas and coffees to cleaning toys in the play area and making sure the arts and crafts activities are up to date. I have received training, too, which has enhanced my skills to support families. I can also speak a different language with parents who do not speak English, I try to be as much help as I can.

If you could sum up volunteering in 3 words what would you use?

Relaxing, Rewarding, Passion

What would you say to anyone who wanted to volunteer at BWC?

I would recommend volunteering here, I would also tell them volunteering takes passion and you have a duty to fulfil to offer your support and time without any reason to receive anything in return.

Why did you volunteer at BWC?

I wanted to give back to the community and help doctors and other medical specialists in their crucial roles. I also wanted to gain insight into the world of medicine as I aspire to go into this sector.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

I enjoy interacting with other workers at the pharmacy. I also enjoy walking around the hospital as not only do I get my steps in, but I can help patients or parents of patients who may need directions.

If you could sum up volunteering in 3 words, what would you use?

Fun, walking, motivational

What would you say to anyone who wanted to volunteer at BWC?

I would tell them to go for it as it allowed me to gain valuable experience that would otherwise be impossible to get.