Volunteering

At end of August 2024 we had 232 volunteers across the Trust including 128 involvement volunteer roles. Since August 2023, we have recruited 44 new people for volunteers roles, 22% of these came from a BAME background.

Over 9,000 hours have been contributed by our volunteers with an economic value of over £86k.

Our focus this year has been volunteer support for feedback in priority areas - particularly mental health inpatient units and Rampton Hospital. We have also targeted recruitment via our webpage and local Volunteer Bureau, aiming to ensure our volunteer base mirrors the diversity of our patient population.

This year we have worked improved our training and support for Volunteers and Placement Officers with new initiatives including improving the clarity of our PLACE Patient Assessor role, reissuing the Placement Officers handbook and pilot a training scheme for new placement officers.

 

Volunteer Roles

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Since August 2023, we have had new volunteers start in many different roles:

• Care Dog Volunteers at Highbury, Millbrook, Wathwood and Rampton
• Feedback Collection at the Childrens Development Centre, City Hospital, Highbury Hospital, Sherwood Oaks, HMP Nottingham and Thorneywood Mount
• Other roles include Volunteer Visitors in Forensic Services, Conversation Partners in Speech and Language Therapy, Parent to Parent Peer Support t Volunteers in Eating Disorder Services, and Horticultural Volunteers at Highbury

"Volunteers are like guardian angels in our healthcare setting. They provide spiritual comfort, a listening ear, and a presence of empathy that goes beyond the boundaries of medical treatment, making a profound impact on the holistic well-being of our patients."

"Volunteers play a crucial role in breaking down the stigma around mental health. Their empathy and support contribute to a more compassionate and understanding environment, fostering healing for both patients and staff alike."

The following projects have started since August 2023, and all have Involvement Partners working with the Trust and offering their lived experience to influence decision making and new ways of working for benefit of patients and carers: 

• Youth Impact Board
• Children and Young People's Involvement Group (CHS)
• Triangle of Care Peer reviewer
• Patient and Carer Information Group
• Improving Care Planning Together

 

Oscars

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who have selflessly devoted their time and efforts to support our organisation's mission.

Their dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of our patients and the community are deeply appreciated. In 2024, the Volunteering OSCAR was won by the CAMHS Mental Health Support Team Involvement and Participation Champions. 

The group of volunteers aged 11 to 19, help drive improvements in mental wellbeing support for children and young people. They have brought significant, meaningful change. They inspire many by sharing their experiences and developing key resources for parents and educators. Their nominator said, They have turned their struggles and challenges into innovation, creativity, productiveness, and enthusiasm. They have done all of this in their free time, between their studies - their courage and creativity inspire us daily.