Over 300 dedicated volunteers were thanked for their valuable contribution to the community at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust today (Wednesday 24 May).

The annual celebration was held at the Victoria Hotel and celebrated the work of volunteers across a range of roles at the Care Trust; from leading weekly walks and group activities to providing support at the Trusts’ Carer’s Hub and helping to gather patient feedback to further improve services.

Amongst those thanked on the day was volunteer Bev Monkman who has been volunteering at the Trust for two years. She has been working with the Trust to make a difference to the health and well-being of people in her community by hosting relaxation and memory sessions across a range of community sites. Bev also volunteers at the Trust’s Carer’s Hub sharing her learning and skills and offering time to support carers.

Bev gives over 11 hours a week of her time to volunteering. She said: “I enjoy volunteering. I’ve taken part in training courses, learnt new skills and over time my confidence has grown. I have a long-term health condition and volunteering gives me extra motivation to get up and do something good each day by helping others. I do lots of different volunteering roles, from encouraging people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and become more active at my local GP practice, to holding weekly Feel Good relaxation sessions. ”

The Feel Good relaxation sessions are part of the Care Trust’s Champions Show the Way programme which provides free or low cost social activities for people aged 18 or over, including those with a long-term health condition or who have recently been discharged from hospital.​

Catherine Jowitt, Volunteering Lead at the Care Trust, said: “We have some amazing volunteers, making a difference to the people of Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Our annual event recognises and gives thanks to all our volunteers for their valuable contribution and dedication. ”

The Trust volunteers support staff across a range of community and hospital services. Volunteers bring their knowledge, skills and experience to the volunteering role but do not duplicate or replace the work that staff do.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Care Trust please contact Razia Islam, Champions Show the Way Programme Manager, on 01274 321911 or visit look here for more information. 

ENDS