Solent NHS Trust celebrates its dedicated volunteers in Southampton this National Volunteers’ Week

1-7 June is National Volunteers’ Week and Solent NHS Trust is using the opportunity to showcase the brilliant  work its volunteers in Southampton do.

Sue Harriman, Chief Executive, Solent NHS Trust, said: “Over the last year, the coronavirus pandemic has seen the NHS face unprecedented challenges, and the work of volunteers, who give their time generously to enhance the lives of patients and their families in our communities, has never been more apparent.

“We are so proud of the work of our longstanding and regular volunteers, as well as those who have come on board to support the rollout of our four large-scale COVID-19 vaccination centres. Every volunteer makes a positive difference to those who access our services through to supporting people in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. All in all, volunteers brilliantly contribute to keeping more people across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight healthy, safe and independent at, or close to, home.”

Robert Page (pictured) has volunteered for the NHS as a meet and greet volunteer at Royal South Hants Hospital for 29 years. The pandemic has meant that Robert couldn’t volunteer as usual, but that hasn’t dampened his spirit to help others.

He explained: “I can’t wait to return to volunteering at the Royal South Hants as soon as possible. Knowing that I’m there greeting people who are often going through difficult times, and offering them a friendly, kind face, means a great deal to me, and that feeling is just as strong all these years on.”

In 2019, Robert won Solent’s Volunteer of the Year award, with the panel acknowledging that he is always friendly and approachable to patients and commended him for his commitment, dedication and passion in his role.

Sue Harriman continued: “We extend a huge thank you to our partners across the voluntary sector, including Southampton Voluntary Services. They are by our side every step of the way in helping us provide the very best care and support to those who need our help and services, and we are really proud to have all of our volunteers in the Solent family.”

If like Robert, you are looking for a way to make a difference to your community and help those in need, why not join our team of volunteers? We’d love to hear from you!

Please visit https://recruitment.solent.nhs.uk/your-career/volunteers/ to find out more and get involved.