Posted on 13 February 2023
For many organisations volunteers are the backbone of their work – it’s no different at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH).
The League of Friends, who manage the Voluntary Services at the Oswestry based hospital, is looking for people to join their volunteer family to support a wide variety of roles across the organisation.
With over 150 volunteers currently helping out, those who join will be working alongside a wonderful group of people who make a huge difference to patients, staff and relatives on a daily basis.
Heather Thomas-Bache, Head of Fundraising, Communications and Volunteers for the hospital Friends, said: “There is a broad array of roles available, from helping out in our retail outlets to providing support at fundraising events.
“Volunteers across the Trust are a major part of the fabric of RJAH and provide a vital service that is well appreciated by staff, patients and relatives alike.”
Beryl Angel has been a volunteer at RJAH for over 13 years and is currently working on the Helpdesk and the recently re-established Shop Trolley service. She said: “Volunteering with the Friends is a profoundly satisfying experience.
“I thoroughly enjoy taking the trolley around the wards, the patients are so appreciative of the service and even if they don’t want to buy anything they will always thank me for my time.
“I really do think that to give a little of one’s time is most rewarding in life, and I would urge anyone considering volunteering to give the Friends a try and I’m sure they would soon see how much it’s appreciated.”
Melvin Dulak joined the Friends volunteer family in 2021 and works in the Coffee Shop, on the Helpdesk and as a Ward Friend on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries.
Melvin, who is a self-professed volunteering geek involved with multiple organisations, said: “Since volunteering with the Friends I have found it to be a fantastic organisation who support and look after you – it feels as though you’re part of an extended family, as we are all like-minded people doing our best to ensure that patients and visitors receive the very best experience when visiting the hospital, which can be daunting.
“For me volunteering helps my overall mental health, gets me out and enables me to meet lots of new people – with the added bonus of making genuine friends along the way, some of whom I’ve met with outside of RJAH for a social evening.
“Personally I find that volunteering at RJAH is a privilege and I’m so pleased that I’m part of the Friends family.”
To see a full list of available roles and to register your interest please visit: https://friendsrjah.org.uk/volunteer/
Alternatively you can contact the team on:
- Telephone – 01691 404401
- Email – heather.thomas-bache@nhs.net
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