Trust celebrates great work of volunteers

Northern Trust staff are supported by unpaid volunteers in a number of services to enhance the care provided to patients, clients and residents. A celebration event was recently held to provide an opportunity to hear more about the work they do and the great contribution they make to services. This event coincided with National Volunteer Week which is running from 1-12 June.

Volunteers from across the Trust attended the celebration event and they were joined by representatives from the Northern Trust Board, partner organsations including Cookstown and Magherafelt Volunteer Centre, Causeway Volunteer Centre and Action Mental Health. Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg also attended to show his support to the volunteers is this area. Volunteers also had the opportunity to meet each other and share experiences.

Tony Stevens, Chief Executive of the Northern Trust said, “The Northern Trust is committed to involving volunteers. We welcome and greatly appreciate the contribution volunteers make on a daily basis and recognise the purpose and value of their role in helping to provide the best care to our patients and clients. This event was a great opportunity to show our volunteers how much we appreciate all they do and I was delighted to get a chance to meet with them and hear about their volunteering journeys. ”

Volunteers work in a wide number of areas across the Trust including the hospital meet and greet team, hospital radio, libraries, meal companions, providing activities in adult/day centres, helping in clinics and providing complementary therapies. The Northern Trust is currently recruiting new volunteers and a Volunteer Co-ordinator has been appointed to help with this.

Maire McCotter, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Northern Trust said, “Our volunteers offer great help and support to staff and service users and I would like to thank them for all their hard work.”

“Volunteers can come from all kinds of backgrounds and be of all ages. There are so many varied roles across services that there is something suitable for everyone. All you need is to be happy to help and have free time to give.

“Volunteering would help you to meet new people, develop your skills, try something new and have fun at the same time. Research has also proven that volunteering can have a positive impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing. I would encourage anyone to give it a go!”

If you would like more information on volunteering in the Northern Trust contact Maire McCotter, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 028 9446 5221 ext: 323450, mobile number 078 8125 5399 or email maire.mccotter@northerntrust.hscni.net.

24th June 2016