Local people are invited to discover how volunteering can boost mental wellbeing at a special drop-in session at the University Hospital of North Tees.
The informal event takes place on Thursday 14 May, between 2pm and 4pm, and will give people the chance to meet current hospital volunteers and the volunteer support team, and learn more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available.
Positive benefits
Lindsay Rutherford-Hoe, volunteer coordinator, said: “Volunteering at our hospitals can have lots of positive benefits for the volunteer as well as our patients.
“Doing something proactive for the community enhances wellbeing by increasing social connections, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment and also boosts self-esteem and confidence.
“Out volunteers are really involved in the workings of our hospitals. They drive patients home, collect medication, serve meals and can also provide company and a friendly ear. As well as the valuable support they offer to the patients, more than 100 volunteers have told us that had felt the benefits of volunteering, on their overall wellbeing.”
Still have something to offer
Comments from current volunteers (anonymised):
“Volunteering has helped me when I have felt down, during my search for employment. It makes me feel like I’m actually helping and contributing to how the hospital works.”
“Volunteering has had a massive, positive impact on my mental health. When I was medically retired at quite a young age, I felt useless. Volunteering has made me realise that I do still have something to offer and I get as much out of it as the people that I am helping.”
“Volunteering helps me with my mental health as it gets me out of the house and socialising with other people. I also really enjoy helping people and taking care of them.”
Drop-in details
The drop-in session will be held in the Tees Meeting Room, located at the back of the Tees Restaurant at the University Hospital of North Tees.
The event forms part of Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from Monday 11 to Friday 17 May 2026.
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with University Hospitals Teesside is welcome to attend. No booking is required.
For more information about volunteering, please contact the volunteer team or call 01642 383933.