Local NHS volunteers celebrated for their compassion and care

Hundreds of volunteers across Northamptonshire are being celebrated this Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June) for the vital role they play in supporting patients, families and NHS staff. 

From welcoming visitors at hospice reception, to offering a friendly voice on the end of the phone, volunteers give their time, compassion and energy to help create positive experiences for people using local health services. 

At Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), volunteers support a wide range of services across the county, helping to reduce loneliness, provide comfort, and ensure people feel valued and supported. 

This Volunteers’ Week, NHFT is shining a light on just some of the individuals who make that difference every day. 

Jan and Jude are celebrating ten years of volunteering at Cransley Hospice, where they welcome patients, families and visitors as receptionists. Over the past decade, they have become familiar and reassuring faces, helping to create a calm and supportive environment from the moment people arrive. 

Barbara, also a volunteer receptionist at the hospice, plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly while offering a warm and approachable presence to those walking through the doors. 

Trevor volunteers as part of NHFT’s telephone befriending service, providing regular calls to people who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Through simple but meaningful conversations, he helps build connections that ensure people feel heard, valued and less alone. 

Reverend Peter Heffron gives his time as a volunteer chaplain, offering spiritual and pastoral support to patients, families and colleagues. Through listening and quiet reflection, he provides comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments. 

Together, these volunteers represent just a small number of the hundreds of people who give their time to support NHFT services each year. 

Angela Hillery, Chief Executive of NHFT, said: “We know that volunteers make a significant contribution to our services. They bring such a wealth of experience, helping us to deliver high quality care. Thank you to all of our volunteers who are helping us to make a difference everyday” 

Anyone inspired by these stories and interested in volunteering is encouraged to find out more by visiting: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/volunteer 

Volunteering opportunities are available across a range of services, with roles to suit different interests, skills and availability. 

This Volunteers’ Week, NHFT would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer across the organisation. Their kindness, dedication and generosity continue to make a real and lasting difference to communities across Northamptonshire.