Student volunteers go the extra mile during the pandemic

He said: “For some customers, I have been the only person they had seen consistently throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and this has meant that people have become lonelier and disconnected from their family.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting, talking and providing assistance to these individuals, and have taken a great sense of pride in my volunteering.”

He said: “There are clear benefits of volunteering. You can learn various specific skills, demonstrate evidence of communication skills, and develop teamwork attributes by sharing best practise and coordination.

“For me, I have picked up some experiences, been given an understanding into other careers such as mental health, hospitality and caring for others, and created a network of people who can give me a detailed vision into different professions.”

Rebecca said: “I have always been an advocate for mental health and knowing I can support NHS staff with this during this difficult time is highly rewarding.

“It was great to get positive feedback from service users. I will be forever grateful to our NHS staff who have been working under immense pressure, before, during and after the pandemic.

“Volunteering has given me invaluable work experience which will support me in my current role and my life after being a student at the university and I have re-discovered my passion for counselling.”

 

She said: “I have definitely learned that no matter where you’re from or who you are, it doesn’t take much to be a decent person and to help those less fortunate.

“I have learned that it doesn’t take much to make somebody’s day even if it’s only a supportive chat over a cup of tea. I have developed further my communication skills as it was necessary for me to communicate clearly and in specific way with some of the very poorly patients who often suffered from dementia and Alzheimers.

“I also had a chance to observe healthcare professionals, especially nurses, directly at work, and it was absolutely inspiring to see how selflessly and with so much effort they cared for all the patients. This experience has definitely influenced my career choices as I am now planning to undertake a degree in Adult nursing. I have been planning to work within the NHS and have now decided that nursing is the pathway I would like to follow.” 

She said: “I learned how important it is to be part of a noble cause in this global pandemic. I volunteered with my local mosque to make scrubs and masks for frontline workers.

“Not only was it a help to all the hardworking NHS staff, it also improved my sewing skills, accuracy and attention to detail while sewing the PPE. I wanted to make the best possible PPE and made different sizes for anyone who needed it.”

He said: “The skills I gained were patience and being caring.  I learned how to manage my time and I also helped to train new volunteers and guide them.

“Being able to help others was an another highlight for me as it gave me a sense of belonging and made me feel that I’m helping the public during these hard times. All the work I've done in the hospital is a highlight and I would love to continue doing it.”