Thank you to our amazing volunteers - a message from LPFT's Chair

Volunteers’ Week (1- 7 June) is with us once again, and as always I’d like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude for everything you do for the benefit of our patients and staff across our organisation.

This year’s Volunteers’ Week is unavoidably different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this may have stopped our planned events, it will not stop us celebrating the fantastic work you do for the Trust.

I know some of you will have been shielding for many weeks now, and that others – like me – will have been doing your best to stick responsibly to the “stay home” guidance. I know this will, at times, have been frustrating, and you may have thought you’d “not been doing your bit” for the Trust. But please know that the simple act of following the guidance has been an important contribution and, on behalf of the Trust Board and Council of Governors, I thank you.

Some of you have been able to alter your way of supporting our staff and patients, by collecting and delivering essential groceries, creating craft boxes and much more. This has not gone unnoticed and this input has been and still is invaluable at this difficult time.

Over the past year you have been working hard to ensure our patients across the Trust receive the best experience of care possible. Our volunteers play a vital part in aiding every aspect of patients’ recovery; by offering support, skills, kindness, care, and helping hand at all times.

Some of the work you’ve been involved with includes providing community support groups, entertaining patients with musical performances and various arts and crafts activities. And some of you have been visiting community teams and inpatient wards with your Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs, to provide a furry, friendly face.

Although this year we are celebrating from a safe distance, this week is still a great time to celebrate your contributions, to highlight the many ways people can get involved, and to share your stories 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.

Please continue to take care of yourself.

Best wishes

Paul Devlin
Chair of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust