Voluntary Services GWH

Voluntary Services GWH Volunteers that support the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

07/06/2026

As National Volunteers' Week draws to a close for another year, Voluntary Service Coordinators, Leanne and Tanya, reflect on how we have used this past week as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing contribution made from our Team of Volunteers at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust!

Meryl“At first, I wanted to gain some skills for my resume, so I decided I would try out volunteering at the hospital. I...
07/06/2026

Meryl

“At first, I wanted to gain some skills for my resume, so I decided I would try out volunteering at the hospital. In my role as a Patient Befriender, I’ve discovered that every day is different, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from many different backgrounds.

I like how even the smallest helps and considerations we give can be very beneficial, such as stocking up on the glove compartment or talking to patients to make their day at the hospital even a bit more welcoming.

Through volunteering, I could also see how hardworking and resilient everyone is, from the NHS staff to the cleaners. I like how my role teaches me something new about people; it keeps me focused on what is important, such as building trust, compassion for one another, and responsibility of care.

I think the hospital is a great place to volunteer, with many roles and wards to try out, even if you are not entirely sure where to start or how to find the wards at first!”

🎉Celebrating Our Incredible GWH Trust Volunteers!🎉National Volunteers' Week not only provides us with an opportunity to ...
06/06/2026

🎉Celebrating Our Incredible GWH Trust Volunteers!🎉

National Volunteers' Week not only provides us with an opportunity to show our appreciation and acknowledge the dedication, kindness and commitment of ALL our Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Volunteers but each year we also recognise those Volunteers who have given 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30 Years of service.

In recognition of these amazing achievements, we present each Volunteer Long Service Award recipient with a framed certificate, a badge and a gift of appreciation.

🌟Our Volunteer Long Service Awards for 2026🌟

5 Years Voluntary Service
Gill Brett, Dave Ewart, Debbie Gentleman, Lara Goddard, Steve Goodrick, Gill Gordon, Natalie Griffiths, James Jary, Alison Kearsey, Ian Kearsey, Sue Marshall, Teresa Paget, Mandie Pook, Gail Sudlow and Brinda Warr

10 Years Voluntary Service
Amanda Akehurst, John Crowley, Michael Durham and Mary Reeve

15 Years Voluntary Service
Maurice Cleary, Richard Hemingway and Mandy Tidbury

We also have a special recognition award this year which we are presenting Glynn Hopkins for 30 Years of Voluntary Service that he has given to Hospital Radio Swindon!

Thank you and a HUGE congratulations to all recipients!

It is important to us that our Volunteers have a positive experience when giving their support to our Trust. We want them to be proud of the difference they make and for the time they spend to be inspiring, fulfilling and worthwhile.

If you have a story about a GWH Volunteer that you would like to share why not drop us a comment below.

Have you got some free time and would you like to help support the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?Voluntee...
06/06/2026

Have you got some free time and would you like to help support the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

Volunteering at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an ideal opportunity for you to try something new whilst helping people in your community.

Volunteering is incredibly worthwhile; the benefits are clear but it's important to enjoy it too! We have a lots of different opportunities available in patient facing and non-patient facing roles.

We have a duty to recruit and place our Volunteers in a way that ensures safety for all concerned so we welcome applicants who are over 16 years of age and can commit to a minimum of three hours a week for at least six months.

To find out more about the opportunities available please pick up a copy of our 'Voluntary Services Matters' booklet if you are in the hospital - or you can read an e-copy by clicking on this link: https://myebook.com/SmilePublications/swindon/5769/

If you are interested in joining our Team of Volunteers you have just two more chances to do so this year*. Our applications for New Volunteers will be open between:

- Monday 6th July from 9:00am > Wednesday 15th July until 4:00pm
- Monday 7th September from 9:00am > Wednesday 16th September until 4:00pm

*We always post on Facebook when we are recruiting and the post will include a link to our online application form.

If you have any questions or require further information please get in touch!
Voluntary Services GWH

Matt“I have tried volunteering at many different places over my life, but here at the hospital I really feel like I’m ma...
05/06/2026

Matt

“I have tried volunteering at many different places over my life, but here at the hospital I really feel like I’m making a difference. I started volunteering at the hospital because I wanted to give back to the NHS for all the times I’ve needed scans and tests for various reasons over the years. I remember that the NHS staff have always been so helpful and kind.

I started volunteering on a ward but felt that this wasn’t quite right for me. I was then told about the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) and instantly enjoyed the role of a Volunteer there – so much so that I now do two shifts a week.

The staff are so busy, with many people coming into the hospital for attention, and it’s a pleasure to help the nurses and the general public. I spend most of my time greeting people and showing them towards the Clinical Navigator, or, if they are there to see a patient, directing them to the right department.

Each shift is slightly different, and I learn more about the hospital every time. Sometimes patients need assistance getting to certain places, which the nurses would usually do but don’t always have time for because they are so busy. I’m happy to help, as I can give the patient a better experience at the hospital and also allow the staff to attend to the next person.

The staff on the UTC are so friendly and kind – it’s an absolute pleasure to volunteer there and assist in any way that I can.”

Sarah of Dinky Ponies At The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , we are incredibly fortunate to host the rema...
05/06/2026

Sarah of Dinky Ponies

At The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , we are incredibly fortunate to host the remarkable offering of therapy from miniature Shetland ponies!

The incredible Dinky Ponies and their owner Sarah, regularly visit the hospital to give moments of hope, curiosity, and delight for our patients, visitors, and staff.

Horses and ponies are known to have a powerful calming presence – they can help to reduce stress and anxiety, encourage emotional connection, and spark positive engagement: all of which are especially important for those facing illness or long hospital stays.

The visits from Dinky Ponies create truly memorable experiences and this is what Sarah had to say about why she chooses to volunteer:

“When you’ve got seven little ponies, it’s just nice to spread that little bit of joy!

I love being able to offer something that people are not able to usually do. It’s really rewarding and when I see the difference that is made by bringing happiness – even if I can help just a couple of people on a visit – I feel like I can sleep well that night.

I really love seeing people’s reactions. Walking in the hospital and hearing ‘Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it!’ when we are coming out of the lift, turning a corner, and just the biggest look of surprise on staff and patients’ faces… I’ll never get tired of that.”

Jill“I have been volunteering at GWH since 2018, supporting the Acute Cardiac Unit and, more recently, the Emergency Dep...
05/06/2026

Jill

“I have been volunteering at GWH since 2018, supporting the Acute Cardiac Unit and, more recently, the Emergency Department. I began volunteering after losing my beloved husband, Brian, on the cardiac ward on Christmas Eve 2017.

During Brian’s final hours, the nurses showed such compassion to my family — sitting with us, offering comfort, and simply being there. After Brian’s funeral, I felt a strong desire to give something back and to try to offer other families the same kindness and support during their most difficult moments.

Death is never easy for families, and loved ones are so precious. If I can be there to offer reassurance, a cup of tea, or a listening ear, I feel truly honoured to do so. As a Volunteer, I’m able to give time and compassion that helps support both families and the clinical staff.

Volunteering has given me a real sense of purpose. What started as a way of giving back to the NHS has grown into something deeply meaningful. I see first-hand how hard the staff work, and I’m proud to play even a small part in supporting patients and relatives when those human moments matter most.”

Peter“Why do you spend so many hours a week doing a job you don’t get paid for? I get asked this a lot. The answer is si...
04/06/2026

Peter

“Why do you spend so many hours a week doing a job you don’t get paid for? I get asked this a lot. The answer is simple: volunteering gives me a purpose. It gives me a chance to support the hospital, engage with patients when they need it most, and introduce others to the benefits of volunteering.

I started as an Active Responder Volunteer, helping on the wards with non-clinical tasks so staff could focus on patient care. Every shift was different, and although I went home exhausted, I knew I had made a difference.

After a year, a volunteering opportunity came up in our Voluntary Services Team. This was a mainly admin-based role, which is something I had plenty of experience in from my ‘paid’ job in the past.

I support the Voluntary Services Team by helping them with the recruitment process. Every 4 weeks we receive 70–80 applications, which are shortlisted and around 30 are invited to a Recruitment Evening. From there, checks, training, and inductions take place before new recruits begin their volunteering. Until you see it first-hand, you would not believe how full-on the process is!

By the time we have welcomed a fresh team of Volunteers, we’ve already started the process again with another cohort of new applicants.”

Providing A Little Bit Of Comfort, One Book at a Time For the last few years, we have been operating a Volunteer-led Mob...
04/06/2026

Providing A Little Bit Of Comfort, One Book at a Time

For the last few years, we have been operating a Volunteer-led Mobile Book Trolley at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This is a small but meaningful service that brings calm, normality, and welcome distraction for patients during their stay.

Filled with a selection of donated fiction and non-fiction books spanning many themes and subjects, our trolley is cared for by 14 keen Volunteers, whose kindness, dedication and friendly faces make such a difference every time they are on their ‘rounds’.

All the books from the trolley are given out free of charge, allowing patients the opportunity to lose themselves in a story, learn something new, or simply pass the time in a positive way. Reading isn’t just a pastime; it’s a form of comfort. It can help ease anxiety, lift mood, and provide a gentle escape.

04/06/2026

A short 'Day in the Life' video with one of our fantastic Volunteers!

Marie takes us through a 'typical' day where she lends a helping hand to the Trust in the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU). Directly offering support to patients and staff. Marie shares a glimpse of what it is like to be a Trust Volunteer.

Address

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Swindon
SN36BB

Opening Hours

8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441793605247

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Voluntary Services GWH posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category