Wendy is a volunteer befriender with Nottinghamshire Healthcare. She has befriended service users in our Forensic Services as well as by telephone within the Community Services.
How would you describe what you do in your volunteer role with Nottinghamshire Healthcare?
I have been a Befriender at Wells Road for just over two years and have absolutely loved visiting my patient from the moment we met there was an instant connection, we had so much in common. During the first few months I could see the difference my visits were making on my patient in a positive way. I always came out buzzing knowing that I was part of my patient’s recovery.
How has the pandemic affected your role?
At the beginning of the pandemic it affected my role as we had to stop all face to face contact and missed my visits. All contact was stopped initially between my patient and myself to keep everyone safe. I was delighted when I was contacted by a member of staff at Wells Road informing me that we could start skype calls, have to say we did have a few technical issues these were resolved quickly and our weekly visits were back on track virtually.
How do you feel about returning to your face to face volunteering role?
I feel nervous and excited at the same time, can’t wait to get back to my role. It will be very different socially distancing and having COVID tests will soon get used to a new normal, appreciate the importance keeping everyone safe. It will be great that the patients will be able to have face to face contact again with visitors.
What do you hope for the future with your voluntary role?
Looking forward to meeting my new patient and starting a new friendship
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about volunteering with Nottinghamshire Healthcare?
Making a difference, giving something back and working with and being involved in the Organisation, especially the Involvement and Volunteering Team who are always there to help and support their volunteers, Thank you!
During Volunteer’s Week, we’re sharing our volunteer’s stories about their roles and what they enjoy about volunteering. If you’d like to get involved or volunteer for Nottinghamshire Healthcare, take a look at our current volunteering opportunities.