News and announcements
Volunteers save hundreds of hospital appointments by helping patients avoid missed scans
A partnership between Helpforce and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has saved hundreds of valuable hospital appointments, with volunteers helping patients overcome the…
Helpforce welcomes three new trustees
We are delighted to announce the appointment of three outstanding individuals to Helpforce’s Board of Trustees: Professor Michelle Bateman, David Russell, and Mal Minhas. Each brings exceptional…
Triple HSJ Awards shortlist for Helpforce
Helpforce is celebrating an outstanding achievement after being shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards, recognising its work to transform healthcare through…
Impact stories
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…
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…
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…
Finding purpose again: How community support transformed one woman's life
For Tess Patten, life in Penzance had gradually narrowed to the four walls of her flat. After being medically retired at just 36, following 14 years as a hospital nurse, she found herself facing a…
Malcolm's journey with the Millbrook community hub
Malcolm found community support that transformed his life with Parkinson's, cancer and dementia. Discover how volunteers help people thrive and support the NHS.
Volunteer Drivers have changed Niccola’s life
Before the volunteer driver scheme began supporting her, Niccola relied on ambulance transport. While grateful, she often faced long waits due to high demand, adding stress and fatigue to an already…
Kingston Hospital Volunteering Service – a continuing partnership and successful business case
Helpforce has had a long and strong partnership with the enterprising volunteering team at Kingston Hospital, helping them initially set up innovative services, then getting the data to show impact…
How Helpforce helped Barts Health NHS Trust expand their volunteer service
Thanks to extensive support and collaboration with Helpforce, Barts Health NHS Trust developed an agile and responsive volunteer service that can be scaled across other NHS trusts. The active response…
How the Helpforce Volunteer to Career programme boosts recruitment and retention at Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
The Helpforce Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme has boosted support for staff and patients at Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) whilst simultaneously offering a career path…
Blogs
The workforce opportunity we're not talking about
Thousands of refugee clinicians already live in the UK. Creating better routes back into professional practice could strengthen NHS teams while changing lives.
"The most valuable insight we heard wasn't about systems – it was about people"
Joint blog by Amerjit Chohan, CEO of Helpforce, and Claire Kennedy, Joint CEO of PPL
Q&A with Sara Miles: Leading the Helpforce Refugee Volunteer to Career Programme
Sara Miles, Helpforce Programme Manager, shares insights on how the charity’s Refugee Volunteer to Career programme is breaking down barriers for refugees seeking healthcare careers in the UK.
For press inquiries, please send an email to Vy Tran, Communications and Content Manager, at: vt@helpforce.community
