Local NHS thanks volunteers for giving back over 40,000 hours of volunteering

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group is thanking all of its volunteers for the amazing support they provide to both patients and staff this National Volunteers’ Week.

National Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday 3 June to Sunday 9 June and is a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the Group’s incredible volunteers for all their hard work and dedication.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) have over 270 combined volunteers and since April 2023, over 40,000 volunteering hours have been given back.

Volunteers range from younger people wanting to gain useful first work experiences, to retired volunteers who use the time to enjoy socialising and want to give back.

Andy Tysoe, Voluntary Services Manager at ULHT, said: “The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, but they really are our shining stars who deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Thank you to all of our volunteers for their support and dedication.”

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group has a range of volunteering opportunities available, from meet and greeter volunteers, pulmonary rehab group volunteers, administration volunteers and urgent treatment centre volunteers. Volunteers improve the experience of patients and complement the work of staff.

Esme Burrough, Lincoln Urgent Treatment Centre Volunteer said: “I really enjoy volunteering and giving back to my community. I love that I can brighten someone’s day with a small gesture like making someone a cup of tea or having a conversation with them. I see first-hand how my support helps ease pressure on NHS staff members and allows them to focus on other tasks.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit the LCHS website or the ULHT website.