Thousands of people in the North West have volunteered to help the NHS over the last year, donating more than half a million hours of their time.

From people in their late teens to those in their late eighties, volunteers help staff, patients and families in our hospitals, with tasks such as greeting loved ones and directing them around the site, helping wards and departments, and admin tasks. Volunteering helps many people get involved in their local community.

NHS England figures published during national Volunteers’ Week (2 to 8 June 2025), shows that 8,859 people volunteered in NHS trusts in the North West in the last year, part of 71,828 volunteers nationally, donating 513,055 hours of their time.

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS FT is celebrating 30 years of the Volunteers Help Desk at the Royal Albert Infirmary and the team of amazing volunteers supporting the trust.

Commenting on her experience as a Help Desk Volunteer, Pam Manning said: “The Helping Hand desk was opened on 6 June 1995 in the main entrance of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary by the Hospital League of Friends. We only had a small desk, a telephone, and enquiry notice, plus fresh flowers, which were renewed each week by a local florist.

“I started volunteering on the desk with my husband who sadly passed away after the first six months, but we loved volunteering together, so I decided to carry on.

“I love being there and helping people. Everyone is so friendly, and we have a lot of support around us. I would encourage any person to join us on the Help Desk.”

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS FT is thanking and celebrating the fantastic volunteers who dedicate their time to support the trust.

Ken Jones is a Meet and Greet Volunteer. He said: “I have volunteered for 11 years that have flown by. l like to be busy in whatever role l have.  The volunteer role l currently have as a Meet and Greeter, gives me many opportunities to assist many people. l know, I have made their hospital journey less foreboding.

“Volunteering helps me keep fit and l get to meet other volunteers, some of whom have become good friends.  Volunteering at the Countess offers so much to anyone who wants to help others or just wants to experience the daily business of a hospital.”

Lynda Tiplady also dedicates her time to the trust. She said: “I volunteer to say thank you to the trust for caring for my family. I support on the intensive care unit and thoroughly enjoy giving back. Over the years, I have volunteered in many areas, and I have enjoyed each one immensely.

At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Volunteer Coordinators are personally thanking volunteers for all the incredible and selfless work they do.

Volunteer Moya Thomas is a well-known friendly face at Burnley General Teaching Hospital. She has been volunteering for more than 20 years and is still going strong having just turned 80 years old. She said: “I work on the patient advice desk with my sister-in-law, Sally. We direct patients to the relevant departments and try to answer any relevant queries. We are both in our 80s and thoroughly enjoy the work.”

“As volunteers, we give up our time to help others. You must be good at and comfortable with meeting and communicating with the public, putting them at ease and pointing them in the right direction. It is also essential to have a good memory for which departments are where and politeness is key – it does not hurt to say good morning or good afternoon.

“Also remember – You are never too old to learn. When you stop learning, you grow old.”

Chris Cutts, Regional Director of Workforce, Training and Education for NHS England in the North West, has thanked volunteers across the region. He said: “This Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to say a huge heartfelt thank you to the thousands of volunteers in the North West who go above and beyond to support the NHS.

“Volunteers make such a valuable contribution to the NHS, supporting our patients and staff, and with many different roles available, you can learn new skills, meet people and even get a taste of what it’s like to work for the health service.

“If you are interested in volunteering in the NHS, you can find out more information by visiting the NHS volunteering website and finding opportunities near you.”