TUESDAY, 1 JUNE, 2022

Photograph attached: l-r volunteer co-ordinator Kenny Forbes, gift shop volunteer Sarah Ross and voluntary service manager Val Ewan

NHS Tayside celebrates Volunteers’ Week 2022

NHS Tayside is saying ‘thank you’ to its many volunteers with a series of celebration activities during the annual Volunteer’s Week (1-7 June).

Staff from Voluntary Services will welcome volunteers to special events in Dundee and Angus where long service certificates will be given to volunteers with more than 5, 10, 15 and 20 years service to recognise their achievements.

There will be a picnic held in the gardens at Royal Victoria Hospital, a walk and picnic in the gardens at Ninewells Hospital and a drop-in session at Ninewells for people to come and find out more about volunteering in healthcare.

These are the first in-person events since 2019 and will also be an opportunity for volunteers whose roles were paused during the pandemic to meet up with the Voluntary Services team, as well as their fellow volunteers.

A number of volunteers will also be sharing their stories throughout the week on NHS Tayside’s social media channels, explaining why they decided to volunteer, what their roles are and what they enjoy about the experience.

NHS Tayside Chair Lorna Birse-Stewart said, “I’m so pleased that more of our volunteers have been able to get back to their roles and that the teams will be able to welcome them in person to our celebration events this year. Volunteers play an invaluable part in supporting our patients and staff right across Tayside and on behalf of Tayside NHS Board I would like to thank them all for their continued efforts.”

There are around 300 active volunteers across NHS Tayside carrying out many roles including welcome guides, patient transport, library assistants, health walk leaders, gardeners, flower arrangers, listening volunteers and breastfeeding buddies.

Most volunteers had been unable to carry out their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic with only a small number remaining to support the COVID-19 response. As restrictions have eased, many roles are now resuming and services and teams are delighted to be welcoming back their volunteers.

Voluntary service manager Val Ewan said, “Volunteers come from all walks of life making valuable contributions which enhance the patient experience. People come to volunteering for many different reasons – to give something back, to learn new skills, to meet new people or to keep active but all have the same thing in common – to make a difference.”

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718