Former colleagues reunited through volunteering  

Two retired friends and colleagues are encouraging others to consider volunteering, after discovering a new sense of purpose and fulfilment volunteering at the University Hospital of North Tees. 

Jackie Kendall, 65 and Jean Scott, 73, both from Stockton, now volunteer together as hospital welcomers, after both experiencing the challenge of transitioning from busy careers into retirement. 

For Jackie, who retired in May 2025, volunteering was something she had considered long before leaving work. 

Jackie said: “I found the first couple of months after retirement quite difficult. I enjoyed my job, which was busy and stressful, and I loved the social side of work. Initially, I felt a little lost and wondered what my place in society was. 

“I had started planning for retirement about a year in advance. Like many people, I joked about holidays and doing nothing, but then I began to think seriously about how I would spend my time. I felt I had the time and energy to give something back. I’d had personal experience of welcomers in hospitals and decided to look at volunteer opportunities at North Tees. 

“Volunteering has really helped me to maintain those social connections. I enjoy helping people and I love talking to patients and building relationships with them.” 

After encouraging her former colleague Jean to consider volunteering as well, Jackie was delighted when she found herself working side by side with Jean once again. 

Jean retired from her role as a senior buyer in October 2025 and admits the move away from such a busy working life came as a shock. 

Jean said: “After I left work, I was at a loss as to what to do with my time. The first couple of months were spent watching a lot of Netflix and staring out of the window. I soon realised I needed to do something with a purpose. Leaving work was hard because I loved my job and the people I worked with. 

“When Jackie suggested volunteering, I applied online and haven’t looked back.” 

Jean now volunteers alongside Jackie every Wednesday afternoon. 

Jean continued: “I was delighted to find out I’d be shadowing Jackie when I started. She has been so supportive and full of good advice, which has really helped me grow into the role. 

“We’d worked together and been friends for a very long time, so it’s great to be volunteering together. We have a really good rapport and make a great team.” 

Jackie added: “I really valued the support I received from other volunteers when I first started, so it’s been good to pass that support on. Jean has grown massively in confidence and it’s wonderful to see how much she enjoys the role.” 

Both women are now encouraging others, particularly those adjusting to retirement, to explore volunteering opportunities. 

Jean said: “Give volunteering a go. There is so much support available and everyone is so friendly. There are lots of different roles and you can choose how much time you’d like to give. 

“I would highly recommend it. It’s certainly one of the best things I have ever done.” 

Interested in volunteering? 

Come along to our upcoming drop in session, where you can find out more about our NHS volunteering opportunities:

Drop in at anytime to find out more about volunteer opportunities across University Hospitals Tees.

If you have any queries, please contact 01642 383933.