Care Trust honours dedicated volunteers with special celebration

Over one hundred volunteers and staff from across Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s services came together for a celebratory afternoon tea at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford.

Held during Volunteers’ Week, the annual event provided an opportunity for Trust staff to show their appreciation to all the people who generously give their time to volunteer across its services.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Head of Charity and Volunteering, Catherine Jowitt, said: “We are truly grateful to every one of our amazing volunteers for the difference they make every day. This event is an opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you for their hardwork and dedication, and to celebrate the invaluable impact they have on the people we serve”.

The event showcased the contributions of more than 20 volunteers and ended with the annual Volunteer of the Year awards. A number of exceptional volunteers were presented with the award by the Trust’s chair, Dr Linda Patterson OBE FRCP.

Among the winners was singing volunteer, Jacqueline Campbell. Jacqueline travels weekly to the Airedale Centre for Mental Health where she lifts the spirits of patients and staff alike. She said: “I’m humbled and thrilled to receive this award today. Volunteering is so rewarding and I get as much pleasure in running the sessions as the people do participating. I love seeing their faces and watching them develop over the weeks – being a part of their journey is an honour”.

Volunteering opportunities with the Trust vary from supporting people who are often isolated in the community with wellbeing activities and walks, to helping new mums in baby clinics, and supporting therapeutic activity for people in the Trust’s mental health hospitals.

For people who have used the Trust’s services, becoming a volunteer can support their recovery, and its award-winning ‘volunteer to career’ programme helps people start their career in the NHS. Over the past year, 12 people have gained employment with two starting work in the NHS and five embarking on vocation related education.

Find out more about volunteering with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.