Today marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, a week-long annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. This year, more so than ever before, the incredible contribution volunteers have made to the NHS and the difference they have made to the lives of people and communities have been very apparent.

At the start of lockdown, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announced an initiative to recruit 250,000 volunteers to help the NHS. Within days, 750,000 people, three times as many as were expected, signed up as NHS Volunteer Responders to help local communities during this unprecedented time.

NELFT has 195 registered volunteers currently and among them there are 50 COVID-19 responders. There have also been a number of organisations who have volunteered their time, including those from the fire service, police and military responders, and have supported the trust in creating extra secondary care beds and wards, as part of the NELFT response to coronavirus.

NELFT Chair, Joe Fielder said: “To our NELFT volunteers, who have responded so magnificently in supporting the trust during a truly terrible time for the nation, I’ve seen extraordinary efforts over really long weekends where we created wards from nothing, which would not have been possible without such a strong response from our volunteers”

“I’ve also seen volunteers step up and check on our staff that have been isolating or unwell and checked on their status and wellbeing and that’s such vital, valuable support work…You’ve been outstanding, you’ve been wonderful, you are our NELFT volunteers, we’re eternally grateful. Thank you.”

The voluntary services team said: “As an organisation we would like to recognise the incredible support and time that volunteers have given us, in particular during our local COVID-19 response. This has been crucial to our patients, carers, staff and the wider community.”

Saleha Bibi, a NELFT staff member who became a volunteer, said: “During this pandemic period and unprecedented time COVID-19 – we have all experienced a shift, scare, fear and others unfortunately loss of their loved ones. I work with the NELFT complaints team and I love helping those less fortunate, giving advice, support and helping them to navigate where possible.

“When this opportunity came for those of us who wish to volunteer – I immediately responded as this will shift my mind from COVID-19 news and keep me busy. I have been given the opportunity to check-in and chat with vulnerable people – it has been a wonderful journey. ”

Loren, another NELFT volunteer, said: “My experience of volunteering has been so rewarding and I felt so grateful to be able to help others. I had a lovely chat, from 2 metres away, with the client I was delivering shopping to which showed me the joy volunteering brings but also what it brings to me. I felt so much joy and warmth, and was such a rewarding experience. To know I helped others helped me too.”

Individual volunteers at NELFT include community response volunteers, who assist by collecting and delivering supplies for those in isolation; patient transport volunteers, who help patients who are discharged get home and settled; and check-in and chat volunteers, who provide support for those experiencing loneliness as a result of isolation. These volunteers have been essential in helping relieve pressure from services during this crisis.

To comply with social distancing rules, all events have been cancelled, however the very important work NELFT volunteers do will be highlighted throughout the week. 

For more information about volunteering at NELFT, visit the recruitment page.