Our volunteer service has this week been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the local community.
The team won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Public Sector Organisation in 2021/22’ award at this year’s Catalyst Achievement Awards.
Hosted by Stockton charity Catalyst, the award recognises the impact volunteers have on the community and the work they have done in going above and beyond for the people of Stockton-on-Tees.
The Trust’s volunteers and coordination team have been recognised by the local charity for the flexible and responsive way they support patients in hospital and how the service has adapted throughout the Covid pandemic.
Volunteer coordinator Paul Wharton said: “We’re so pleased to receive the award on behalf of all our volunteers. They work tirelessly to support others and I’m humbled to see the good that is being done by them across the community in which we serve.”
What do our volunteers do?
The Trust boasts around 350 volunteers who carry out a variety of duties, including:
- Meeting and greeting patients and visitors
- Driving patients to and from hospital
- Befriending, talking and listening to patients
- Supporting patients during mealtimes
- Recreational activities with patients, such as reading and playing games
- Home but not alone initiative
- Volunteer responders
- Delivering medication
The service’s ‘Home but not Alone’ programme was also recognised during the awards ceremony which took place on Friday 18 November.
‘Home but not Alone’ supports patients through discharge and helps them get settled at home after a hospital stay. It offers practical support, including transport home and food parcels for those who may not have a strong support network.
Volunteer Ann McCabe said: “It’s fantastic to be involved with the volunteer service here at North Tees. You really do get as much back as you give and I just love making a difference to the patients.”
Become a volunteer
To find out more about volunteering at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, contact the volunteering team on 01642 383933 or [email protected]
More information is also available on our volunteer page.
