Over two hundred volunteers from across Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s services are coming together on Thursday 6 June, for a celebratory afternoon tea.

The annual event during volunteers’ week, at the Mercure Hotel in Bingley, is an opportunity for Trust staff to show their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication of people across Bradford and Craven, who give up their time to volunteer across its services.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s head of charity and volunteering, Catherine Jowitt, said: “We are so grateful to all our amazing volunteers for everything that they do, every day.  Volunteers’ week gives us an opportunity to bring all our wonderful volunteers together to say a huge thank you and to celebrate the positive impact that they have on the people who use our services, every day.”

The volunteers will be joined by the Care Trust’s chief executive, Therese Patten, the trust chair, Dr Linda Patterson OBE, and Anna Dixon, chair of the national charity Helpforce, in recognition of all the work that volunteers do.

Volunteering opportunities 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.

For many, volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the NHS.   Volunteer Premalatha, said: “Volunteering is my way of giving back to my community, but it’s also where I find purpose and connection. The difference it makes for me is immeasurable and seeing the positive impact on those I volunteer with, fills my heart with joy.

“Volunteering isn’t just about the time I give; it’s about the smiles I see, the stories I hear, and the lives I touch. It’s a journey of compassion and growth, where every moment makes a difference, not just for others, but for me too.”

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