This week we’re celebrating our very own CHFT Volunteer Appreciation Week, which is a brilliant opportunity to share our thanks with those people who gift their time at CHFT for free, supporting not only our patients and visitors, but our colleagues across so many services.

We’re running the week to coincide with International Volunteer Day which is this coming Friday, 5th December. It recognises and celebrate the efforts of volunteers and aims to inspire more individuals to dedicate their time and skills to causes that matter.

Share your thanks

Volunteering Services Lead, Stevie Cheesman, said: “Whatever precious time they give, every moment a volunteer spends supporting our patients, carers, visitors and colleagues has an impact. That was brought home to me this year as the whole team were finalists at July’s CHuFT Awards, in the Putting People First category.

“Whether that’s a friendly face greeting people in main entrances, a caring voice over the hospital radios or a compassionate chat by the bedside. Their time matters and is so very valuable.

“It’s important we take a few minutes out of our busy days to give our own thanks and appreciation, so please complete this quick form.

“It will be a delight to share your messages of thanks with them all."

Paediatric Consultant, Helen Armstrong has already shared her thanks saying: "To all the wonderful volunteers who come onto the children's ward. I see you giving parents cups of tea and children drinks which we haven't been able to do, the time you give gives compassion to that family that is much needed.

"You support with play activities bringing smiles to unwell children, and thank you for asking if I myself am OK or need a drink. On a busy ward shift you might be the only person that does that all day and it means a lot. Please know that even if we don't always say it, we are very grateful you are there and appreciate all you do."

At CHFT we have 200 volunteers covering many roles, including:

• Meet and Greet Volunteers
• Ward Helper Volunteers
• Pharmacy Volunteers
• Pets as Therapy Volunteers
• League of Friends Volunteers
• Charity Events Volunteers
• Charity Fundraising Volunteers
• Cancer Information Support Volunteers
• Radio Volunteers
• Chaplaincy Volunteers
• Stroke Association Volunteers
• Children and Young People Volunteers
• Experts by Experience Volunteers
• Patient Safety Partner Volunteers
• Breast-Feeding Peer Support Volunteers.