London home to the most NHS volunteers in the UK
New data shows London has the highest number of NHS volunteers than any other region in the UK, with over 14,000* supporting the NHS across the capital.
Since April 2024, Londoners have dedicated a total of nearly 736,000 hours** of their time to support health services and the communities they serve – a lifeline in a pressurised system.
Lizzie Smith, Workforce Director for the NHS in London, said: “Whether local people are lending a hand on the wards or helping with admin, NHS volunteers improve patient experience.
“This volunteers’ week and every day, we appreciate and celebrate the dedication and generosity of NHS volunteers in London, and the vital contributions they make in our healthcare system.”
To give back to the hospital that saved his life after a devastating motorcycle accident, Leo Phillips-Waller volunteers on the QEH Dementia Ward at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
He said: “I woke up not knowing who I was or where I was. I couldn’t remember my fiancée, my job, or the life I’d built. Everything was gone.”
When the same hospital cared for Leo’s grandmother in her final days, Leo decided to dedicate his time to the dementia ward that treated them both.
He said: “The NHS didn’t just save my life. They gave my grandmother dignity at the end of hers. Volunteering is the least I can do to say thank you.”
Volunteering within the NHS not only helps others, but can also strengthen skills and offer new opportunities. At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, twins Matteo and Marco volunteer to gain healthcare experience for their future careers.
The brothers help staff at mealtimes and with ward duties and speak to patients to provide comfort and connection.
Marco said: “Volunteering at the hospital is a truly fascinating experience and we gain an insight into behind the scenes. When we’re not on the wards, we give a helping hand to anyone who needs it and enjoy creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere.”
Since September 2024, the ‘Open Minds’ programme has offered inclusive volunteering opportunities and skills coaching for people in west London with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Operating at five NHS Trusts across west London in partnership with the Shaw Trust, volunteers are supported to contribute to the NHS meaningfully, through quality coaching. This mentorship helped to renew hope and confidence in Lisa Powers, who became a ‘Mystery Caller’ volunteer in the hospital’s HR team to improve service quality through telephone calls.
She said: “I had been out of work for quite some time due to my health conditions. I was struggling with my confidence and the ‘mystery caller’ volunteer role felt like a realistic opportunity for me to work on those issues.”
With the support of mentor Paula Martin, Lisa could commit to volunteering twice a week, strengthen her skills and realise her potential.
Lisa said: “Everyone I have met through this programme has been so supportive and encouraging, and it’s given me a much-needed boost in confidence. I have even secured a new volunteer role with the trust, which I am really looking forward to. This also makes me hopeful that in the future, there may be opportunities for employed roles .”
To join the 14,000 Londoners already helping the NHS, visit the volunteering website and find local opportunities: NHS Volunteering – Homepage.
ENDS
* NHS England » Volunteers support the NHS for 6 million hours this year