Celebrating the impact of our remarkable volunteers
This week we’re celebrating our extraordinary volunteers who bring invaluable support to our colleagues and patients across our hospitals.
Over 800 remarkable individuals bring meaningful impact every day across our hospitals. From offering a listening ear, helping with mealtimes, providing companionship, or simply being a calm and reassuring presence, their kindness eases pressure on our clinical teams and brings comfort to patients during some of their most difficult moments.
In the past year alone, our volunteers have contributed over 62,000 hours of support, assisted with more than 6,000 mealtimes, and helped deliver over 23,000 medications to our wards.
Not only do volunteers help us, but this experience also supports their own personal growth through empowerment to problem solving that drive positive changes. It can also provide valuable work experience that can support their career growth and open the door to long-term, meaningful careers.
Valya, who began as a volunteer and now holds a permanent position at The Royal London Hospital shared:
“Volunteering was key to securing my role at Barts Health. It gave me real insight into healthcare, helped me build confidence, and strengthened my communication skills towards patients. Supporting staff with tasks like guiding patients and helping with admin taught me how to work effectively and compassionately.
“Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds showed me the importance of empathy and patience, especially with those who were anxious or vulnerable. Seeing the staff in action confirmed my ambition to work in healthcare.
“Now, as a healthcare assistant, I can clearly see how volunteering prepared me to support elderly and stroke patients with confidence and professionalism. I’m grateful to the Barts Health volunteers’ team for helping me grow and feel ready for this career.”
Ranju, who has just secured a permanent role as an emergency department assistant after seven months of volunteering at The Royal London Hospital, shared:
“Volunteering was more than an experience — it was my pathway into the hospital community and a chance to discover new opportunities. Through volunteering I received valuable training, learnt key systems, and became confident navigating clinical environments.
“I’m grateful to the teams who encouraged me every step of the way. Even now that I’m in a permanent role, I’ll never forget the journey that brought me here, and I plan to continue volunteering in my spare time to give back.”
If you’re interested in building new skills, meeting new people and friends, or simply giving back to the community during your spare time, one of our many volunteering roles could be right for you.
Our volunteers team will support your recruitment every step of the way, to make sure you are fully trained, ready and supported to bloom in your new role.
Our volunteers give so much of themselves, and we want them to feel truly seen, valued, and appreciated. If you spot one this week, please take a moment to offer a heartfelt thank you or nominate them for a Barts Health Heroes Award to show their efforts don't go unnoticed!