Inaugural Volunteers Celebration aims to showcase and inspire

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has showcased the role of its volunteers at its inaugural Celebration & Awards event.

Taking place during Volunteers Week on Tuesday 6^th June, the occasion aimed to recognise those who carry out many valuable roles while also inspiring others to get involved.

Within the Northern Trust, over 250 volunteers dedicate their time and skills within a range of settings including Hospital Radio, Meet & Greet, Breast Feeding Support, Bereavement Services, IBD Services, Day Centres, Health & Wellbeing Team and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to Geraldine Canning (Macmillan Complimentary Therapist), Suzanne McNeilly (Breast Feeding Peer Support Volunteer), and Bereavement Comfort Call Volunteers Claire O’Neill, Maria McKernan, Joyce Johnston and Sally Bonnes.

Special Recognition Awards were presented to Anne Phillips and Pat Cullen from Hospital Radio, Bereavement Comfort Call Coordinator Paula Byrne and Catherine Butcher, IBD Nurse.

During the evening, two volunteers, along with their supervisors, were invited to share their personal story about volunteering and the positive difference it has made to them.

Iris Johnston, who is part of the Bereavement Comfort Call volunteer team, said: “A colleague told me about the Service and it was perfect for me as I can work around a busy retirement. I find it important to take time out to offer an ear and empathy to those recently bereaved.

“I have had to really concentrate on the listening skill but it has been such a privilege to be there for people at such a difficult time in their lives.”

Altogether, the service has 26 volunteers who make phone calls from the privacy of their own homes to the next-of-kin whose loved one has passed away in a Northern Trust hospital setting.  They offer condolences, provide a listening ear, and, if necessary, signpost to other support services.

On average the team makes 1600-1700 calls per year, providing a high quality service, compassionate care to every person they make contact with.

21-year-old Abby Robinson is also hoping to inspire others through her story. She volunteers as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Buddy, after being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.

She said: “I was inspired to become an IBD buddy to help make a difference to those who may be struggling with their diagnosis and use my own journey to help support others, showing them that having IBD doesn’t define who you are. My journey may be someone else’s sign of hope and that is why I am proud to say I’m a volunteer.”

IBD Buddies offer telephone support and share lived experience to newly diagnosed patients.  A new diagnosis of Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis can be very overwhelming and the sensitive nature of the symptoms mean many don’t want to talk to others due to fear of embarrassment or stigma.  Having someone to talk to with experience of the same condition will mean patients will feel less isolated and help reduce disease related anxiety.  The service can also be accessed by patients approaching surgery or those who are feeling challenged on their IBD journey, for example employment issues.  Volunteers will be matched up to a patient with a similar disease profile by the IBD Nurse.

Paula Marshall, Northern Trust Volunteer Manager, added: “On behalf of the Trust I want to offer my warmest congratulations to all of our winners, and express my thanks to all of our volunteers.

“They make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our wider community, and their roles bring a renewed sense of fulfilment to themselves as well.

“This celebration event allowed us to express our gratitude to all of our volunteers and also to showcase the breath of opportunities which exist within the Trust.

“If you think you could make a difference we would love to hear from you. Regardless of your background, experience or skills we will have a role to suit you.”

For upcoming volunteer opportunities keep an eye on the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Facebook and Twitter channels. You can also register your interest in volunteering within the Northern Trust via Volunteer Now and the Causeway or Mid Ulster Volunteer Centres.

If you would like further information email volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net

 

 

9th June 2023