Improving the lives of patients, staff and volunteers
Helpforce is the UK's leading charity dedicated to advancing healthcare volunteering and community-powered wellbeing.
We help health partners turn local energy, skills and goodwill into targeted responses to specific health priorities – creating practical solutions that improve patient experience, support staff and strengthen connections between health services and the communities they serve.
As a distinctive connector and catalyst, we convene NHS services, local government, charities, funders and communities around a shared understanding of local need. We bring together the right partners, evidence and expertise to develop approaches that work locally, can be sustained over time and have the potential to be adopted more widely.
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: when people and communities are enabled to play a meaningful role in health and care, everyone benefits.
Over the past six years we have helped more than
911,000
Patients
78,000
Staff
131,000
Volunteers
100
Organisations
Spotlight news
Thousands of refugee health professionals held back from NHS role as staffing shortages continue
Healthcare leaders are calling for greater investment in specialist programmes that help medically qualified refugees return to professional practice – like 36-year-old Ukrainian doctor Yana Flyenko
Our services
Recognised for impact
Helpforce is a proud recipient of an HSJ Partnership Award 2026 and the GSK Impact Award 2025.
These accolades recognise the impact of our work to advance community-powered health and volunteering across the UK.
More importantly, they reflect the growing recognition of healthcare volunteering as a vital part of improving patient outcomes, strengthening communities and supporting a sustainable healthcare system.
Excitingly, the charity has also been shortlisted in three categories for the main HSJ Awards 2026, with winners to be announced in November.
We see this recognition as a testament to the dedication of our partners, volunteers, and funders, who are helping to unlock community capacity.
What our supporters say about us
“As the NHS reshapes operating models and strengthens neighbourhood care, volunteering must be viewed as a strategic imperative, not an afterthought. Helpforce is the unrivalled guardian of what volunteering excellence looks like in modern healthcare, ensuring services are safe, sustainable, and high impact."
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England
"Helpforce’s evidence shows that volunteers reduce pressure, offer connection, and allow clinicians to focus on the work that requires their expertise. For that reason, I encourage leaders to see volunteering as part of our infrastructure, rather than something optional or additional."
Karen Bonner MBE, Regional Chief Nurse for London.
"We all know that volunteers are an integral part of the NHS and Helpforce is ensuring the advancement and the quality of volunteering in the healthcare system is second to none.
"I know firsthand from my mother working with the NHS, but also being supported by the NHS, that volunteers are so important to all the support that is required. I would like to say a massive thank you to those who give up their time to make a difference, as well as to Helpforce for the great work."
Double Olympic athletics champion, Dame Kelly Holmes
Volunteer stories
Alisha-Mae’s story
At just 17 years old, Alisha-Mai Stevens is already making a difference in the NHS. Alisha-Mai lives in Telford with her family, including her older brother and younger sister. Her decision to volunteer was deeply shaped by personal experience - her…
Chetan's story
Chetan Bhakri optimises what it means to donate the gift of time to help others. A busy full-time software consultant, he could be forgiven for kicking-back in front of the tv of a weekend or relaxing with friends. But instead, the 50-year-old from…
From refugee to sonographer: Ahmed’s journey of resilience and renewal
Ahmed Bakheet’s story is one of extraordinary strength, resilience, and hope. A skilled sonographer who left Sudan amid political unrest and personal tragedy, Ahmed’s journey reflects the vital role that volunteering programmes like Helpforce’s…
Volunteer to Career helps Ukrainian doctor rebuild her life
Olena Ipek’s journey from fleeing war in Ukraine to preparing for a new career in the NHS is a powerful example of how volunteering can transform lives and help address critical workforce challenges in healthcare.
Shrewsbury mum’s traumatic pregnancy led to NHS volunteering – now she’s on her way to becoming a midwife
A Shrewsbury woman who experienced a traumatic pregnancy and birth was so inspired by the hospital care she received that she’s changed career – and is on her way to becoming a midwife.
Karen's story
Grateful for the NHS care that saved her premature daughter Isla, Karen now volunteers at Kingston Hospital, supporting patients in their recovery.
Angela’s story
After experiencing the challenges of retail customer service, 40-year-old Angela O’Donnell sought a new direction. Her 70-year-old mother, Ruth, suffered from Alzheimer's, and it had awakened in Angela a deep passion for supporting people living with…
Ray's story
In 2020, life was good for Ray Symons. After a varied career, including a 25 year stint as a civil servant, he was looking forward to enjoying retirement and spending more time with his wife Joanna and teenage daughter Rosie. That was until Ray…
Kimara’s journey as a Discharge Response volunteer
Volunteers like Kimara, support smoother hospital operations. Discover how her dedication as a Discharge Response volunteer makes every step count.
How a refugee doctor from Ukraine rebuilt her medical career through volunteering
Before the war in Ukraine, Yana Fylenko had built a stable life as a GP in Kharkiv. She was advancing her clinical career, teaching medical students, and enjoying family life with her husband Vitalii and daughter Zlata. But everything changed…
Mum of four finds purpose and connection as a community health volunteer
Celine Lewin’s journey into volunteering at the Cornwall Community Hub in Looe is a powerful example of how community connection and support can transform lives - both for those receiving help and those giving it.
How a design sculptor found patience through volunteering
Garry Barker spent his working life shaping some of the world’s most iconic luxury cars as a design sculptor at Aston Martin. Gary’s days were filled with the precision and artistry of crafting elegant forms, a perfect blend of creativity and…
How a bereaved engineer found purpose in volunteering
Dave Austin’s journey into volunteering began at a challenging moment in his life — yet it quickly became a source of meaning, connection, and community. A retired engineer, 72-year-old Dave’s problem-solving skills and teamwork mindset have found a…
From Volunteer to Mental Health Practitioner: Katie's Journey
Katie Ashbrook’s passion for working with children has been clear since her school days. Now 23, with a psychology degree in hand, she’s turning that passion into a career in children’s mental health - thanks to a volunteering opportunity that opened…
Suzie's journey: From pregnancy stroke survivor to NHS volunteer
Suzie Argo was looking towards a bright future after turning 30, with an active social life and a job working in the oil industry. But in 2008 her world came crashing down when, out of the blue, she suffered a catastrophic stroke.
Covid was the turning point for Lynn Jenkins
Lynn’s journey into volunteering began in an unexpected way — with her husband’s retirement dream.
Brighton hospital helper aims to inspire NHS volunteering
In 2017, Anna Cooke was adjusting to life as a single parent in Brighton after leaving her beloved career as a chef. Having worked her way through the ranks at different brand restaurants including Jamie’s Italian, and being part of the opening teams…
Liverpool student nurse backs ‘Volunteer To Career’ scheme
A Liverpool woman who moved from a hospital volunteering role into training for a nursing career is backing a proven scheme that helped realise her dream.
Chester hospital artist backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
An artist who moved from a Chester hospital volunteering role into a frontline healthcare career is backing a proven scheme that helped realise her dream – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Cambridgeshire dad backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme – aiding stretched NHS workforce
A Cambridgeshire dad who switched track from telecoms management into a frontline mental health career is backing a scheme that helped change his life – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Military wife backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
A military wife who moved from a hospital volunteering role into a frontline healthcare career is backing a proven scheme that helped realise her dream – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Senior Nigerian nurse backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
A FORMER Nigerian nursing director who left her homeland over fears for her family’s safety is forging a career in the NHS thanks to an innovative scheme that could help tackle health workforce pressures in the UK.
Cambridgeshire mum backs ‘Volunteer To Career’ scheme – aiding stretched NHS workforce
A former librarian from Taiwan who craved a career in healthcare after moving from to the UK is backing a scheme that has helped change her life – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Bath graduate backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
A BATH psychology graduate who moved from a hospital volunteering role into study for a frontline healthcare career is backing a proven scheme that helped realise her dream – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Former roofer backs ‘Volunteer To Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
A former Suffolk roofer who moved from a hospital volunteering role into a frontline healthcare career is backing a proven scheme that helped realise his dream – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
Bradford mum backs ‘Volunteer to Career’ scheme aiding stretched NHS workforce
A Bradford mum-of-two who has moved from a hospital volunteering role towards a frontline healthcare career is backing a scheme that has helped realise her dream – and could be key to easing NHS workforce pressures.
How Volunteer to Career has put Matt on a path to becoming a paramedic
At 33, Matt Sharp, a Community First Responder (CFR) volunteer with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), has successfully secured a role as a qualified Emergency Care Assistant (ECA). Matt’s ambition is to become a fully qualified…
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We are proud to work with over a hundred healthcare organisations across the UK, including
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