Published on: 31st May 2019
National Volunteers’ Week (1- 7 June) is with us once again, and I wanted to take the opportunity to write to all of you to express my thanks and gratitude for everything you do for the benefit of patients and staff across the Trust every single day.
As many of you know, my career background was of many years working in the third sector, often with a focus on helping people with health-related needs. During those years I got to know just how critical volunteers’ support can be.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the amazing contribution millions of volunteers make across the country, and your input in the Trust is among the best that I have seen.
Our volunteers play a part in aiding every aspect of patients’ recovery, making a difference by offering support, skills, kindness, care, and above all a friendly face and helping hand at all times.
Some of the work you’ve been involved in over the past year includes visiting wards across the county with your Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs, setting up arts and crafts activities for patients at the Rochford Unit, and providing support drop in sessions at the local community centre in Grantham.
Your work supporting service users attending Recovery College courses is also important and your passion for sharing your own journeys of mental illness continues to help co-design the great courses on offer through the college.
However much time you are able to give, the contribution of your volunteering is well worth celebrating. This week is a great time to highlight the many ways people can get involved, and to share your stories and experiences to inspire others to do the same.
Thank you once again for the dedication and commitment you give to our patients, their families and carers.
Best wishes
Paul Devlin
Chair of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
