Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is calling for volunteers to work alongside staff at a new branch of the Carers Hub that will be opening in Craven, to provide vital support for people caring for loved ones.

The Trust’s new branch will make a real difference to people caring for family and friends, and will offer a space to access professional and clinical staff, provide information on relevant topics and health awareness sessions and a timetable of free activities such as art and pampering sessions, quiz and games activities.

This new facility, which is set to open in December at Dyneley House Surgery in Skipton, will complement the Trust’s other Carers Hub facility at Horton Park Health Centre in Bradford.

The Care Trust is asking people to register their interest to volunteer at the new branch in Craven, and help support carers in their caring roles, by taking part and supporting carers with a range of activities.

Tracey Corner, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust Patient Experience Lead, said: “We are looking for volunteers who are people orientated and can give a few hours a week of their time for this rewarding role. People are often surprised at how much they get back when they volunteer.  All volunteers will be trained in their role supporting carers so that they feel confident.

“Following the success of the Carers Hub in Bradford, we recognised there was a need for the service to be expanded; this has also been in response to feedback we’ve received from carers from the Craven area who have welcomed the opening of the new branch in Skipton town centre at Dyneley House Surgery. We are working closely with the surgery to develop the service, which will benefit carers in the Craven district.”

The Trust already has over 50 volunteers supporting staff across a range of community and hospital services. They help with a range of activities including hosting coffee mornings, research and development projects, patient feedback and walks.

Twelve months ago Pat Rhodes, aged 77 from Bradford, started volunteering at the Trust’s Carers Hub for two hours each week. She supports activities at the Carers Hub, helps carers to find information to support them in their caring role and offers a listening ear. Pat said; “I started volunteering after my husband passed away. We’d been together since we were 16.  I went from being a full-time carer of my husband and busy all the time, to nothing. I wanted to do something for me and also to give something back.  I’ve met new people, learnt new skills and really enjoy coming each week. I feel part of the team and it makes me happy that I’m supporting and helping others. I’d encourage people to volunteer, it’s very rewarding.”

Volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in a Trust induction on Saturday 23 September, which will be held at Shipley College.  Training will be given on a selection of courses including equality and diversity and infection prevention, alongside interactive activities that attendees will have the chance to take part in.  A volunteer handbook will also be provided as part of the induction.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Trust’s Carers Hub branch in Craven, please contact Clare Bancroft, Volunteer Coordinator on 01274 322662 or email volunteer@bdct.nhs.uk.