Talking #TeamCWPT blog

This Volunteers' Week (1 - 7 June), we caught up with Jon and Nunu about their motivations for volunteering and how they are supporting patients, families and carers in our mental health services. 

Jon - ward support volunteer 

Many years ago, Jon was a patient in our mental health services following struggles with addiction.  

8 years since his last admission, he's returned to the wards as a volunteer, supporting and inspiring people who are where he once was.

He says: "The transformative change began 8 years ago during my last admission when I found an ally in Becky, my named nurse. With her guidance, I started to believe in myself and realised that anything is possible. I made a vow to no longer be a patient and share my gift of being unique.  

"I began volunteering for St. Giles and thrived in that role. My dream was to become an NHS volunteer at the Caludon Centre because I wanted to give back. The Volunteer Service staff believed in me and supported me to get into the volunteer role. They were always available to guide and assist me whenever I needed help.

"Now I feel my work as a volunteer on Spencer Ward is valued by everyone. My role includes talking informally with patients and assisting with various activities. Most importantly, I listen to patients' stories, ease their fears, and demonstrate by example that they are 'somebody'. I aim to give them hope that they, too, can achieve their dreams."

Now Jon is planning to train to become a peer support volunteer. He says: "I am happy to continue volunteering and making a difference for service users. This opportunity is made possible thanks to the support of Becky, Nancy, the Spencer Ward manager and team, the Recovery Team, and the Volunteer Service."

Nunu - café volunteer 

Those who visit St Michael's Hospital in Warwick might recognise Nunu as one of the friendly faces volunteering in the Coffee and Chatz café. 

Since retirement, Nunu volunteers at CWPT to give back. 

She says: "I owe my professional success to volunteering. 28 years ago, when I moved to England from Zanzibar, I didn't have enough skills or experience to get a job. After 3 months volunteering with Home-Start, I was offered a job as a community worker. Now I'm retired, I've returned to volunteering, this time in the NHS, to say thank you.  

"I manage the shop once a week by opening and closing the shop, stacking and refilling the shelves, preparing the merchandise, serving tea and coffee, and selling other products that are available in the shop. I really enjoy volunteering in the shop, meeting and chatting with different people, including hospital staff, guests, patients, and their families who visit the hospital.  This helps me boost my communication skills and customer service skills, building experience in running a shop and money handling.

"My favourite thing about being a café assistant is talking to patients and listening to their stories. People will often thank me for listening."

To others considering volunteering, Nunu says: "Go for it. If you're looking for a job or just bored, you can use your time wisely and help others. If you want to build your confidence, skills or knowledge, volunteering is the way to do it. With volunteering, you always get more than you give."

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Thank you to Jon and Nunu for sharing their inspiring stories this Volunteers' Week! 

If you've ever thought about working in the NHS or simply want to make a difference in your community, volunteering could be the perfect place to start. Find out more about volunteering with CWPT, or find a local NHS volunteering opportunity.