Celebrating Volunteers Week 2024

At County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust we are fortunate to have more than 150 dedicated volunteers who are making a significant impact on the lives of patients, carers, and staff across the Trust's hospitals and community sites.

Their invaluable contributions extend throughout hospital wards and departments, fostering a more friendly and supportive environment for all.

Volunteers engage in a variety of activities, from meeting and greeting visitors at the hospitals to supporting staff on the wards and raising funds.

They also assist with meal times, participate in hospital radio, welcome and greet patients, aid in the Macmillan Information Centre, conduct patient surveys, and even serve as volunteer drivers.

Their work is crucial in complementing the efforts of our Trust colleagues, providing much-needed support to patients, relatives, and visitors.

Volunteers bring a personal touch to hospital life, offering extra time to chat with and listen to patients and their families, thereby promoting a more social and warm atmosphere within the healthcare settings.

The Trust highly values the contributions of its volunteers and aims to ensure they feel appreciated.

Volunteering offers numerous benefits, including fostering community involvement, building confidence, aiding in returning to work after a break, and providing opportunities to meet new people.

By choosing to give their time freely for the benefit of others, volunteers are not only enhancing the lives of those they help but also enriching their own lives.

Every day, the selfless efforts of these volunteers help to create a positive and caring environment, underscoring the profound difference they make in the community.

If you are interested in becoming a volunter, please complete the volunteer application form which is in on this webpage.

If you have any other queries, please contact the Patient Experience Team on Freephone 0800 783 5774 or email cddft.patientexperiencevolunteers@nhs.net