1
Calling for investment
Securing substantial strategic investment from government, health organisations, and philanthropic funders for robust healthcare volunteering infrastructure.
2
Raising awareness
Significantly raising awareness about the profound impact of expertly designed healthcare volunteer programmes.
Why is there a need for this campaign?
Volunteers have a pivotal role to play
The Government’s narrative surrounding the new NHS 10-Year Health Plan clearly recognises that volunteers have a pivotal role to play in getting the NHS back on its feet, especially in bringing care closer to home through neighbourhood health centres.
Not all healthcare organisations embrace this vision
We face a significant challenge: many healthcare organisations haven't yet embraced this vision or fully grasped the tremendous potential of volunteering in enhancing care and alleviating staff pressure. This disconnect means that volunteering remains insufficiently integrated into our healthcare system, potentially squandering a powerful resource that could help address health inequalities and systemic inefficiencies.
A shift in perception is crucial
We must fully shift the perception that 'volunteers are nice to have' to recognising them 'an integral part of modern healthcare.' Only when this mindset changes can meaningful action take place.
How are we delivering this campaign?
As the only UK charity solely focused on advancing high-impact volunteering across healthcare, we have established partnerships with over 100 NHS organisations, charities, and VCSE organisations, allowing us to support more than 1.1M people and garner evidence that volunteers can help tackle some of the NHS’s most challenging issues.
Through delivering far-reaching programmes, Helpforce has forged vital connections and developed crucial insights into scaling volunteering solutions for maximum impact.
87%
of staff agree volunteers improve the quality of care they can provide
78%
of patients agree that support from volunteers helped them to feel less anxious, aiding their recovery
91%
of volunteers agree or strongly agree their volunteering gives them a sense of purpose
Working alongside partners, our Giving Back, Transforming Care campaign focuses on three key fronts:
1
Showing
Showing the transformative impact volunteers have on our healthcare system – reaching healthcare leaders, policymakers and the wider public.
2
Connecting
Building powerful alliances with health organisations and charities to deliver system-changing programmes.
3
Advocating
Advocating for substantial investment in healthcare volunteering from government, health organisations, and philanthropic funders.
Volunteers who are 'Giving Back'
Feeling an urge to give something back to the hospital that had saved her and her daughter’s lives, Karen Adams applied and soon found herself working one morning a week on cardiology and hematology wards as a ‘Visitor Volunteer’. Her role involves befriending patients, helping to put them at ease, and keeping an eye out for any difficulties they may be experiencing.
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…
How to get involved
If you are from a healthcare organisation and you wish to take part in the campaign, you can:
- Get in touch to set-up a conversation to explore opportunities for developing large-scale volunteering programmes that can help: speed up the flow of patients through hospitals, hospices and health centres; ease pressure on your staff; free up beds; and help reduce waiting times for treatment
- Share your volunteers’ individual stories with us so that we can include them in our media activity (liaising with your own comms team and ensuring your organisation features prominently)
If you are a member of the public and wish to support this campaign, you can:
- Share our social media posts (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram & Bluesky) to raise awareness of the impact of healthcare volunteering
- If you are also a volunteer for a healthcare organisation, you can email Helpforce's Communications team at comms@helpforce.community to share your story with us and help raise awareness
