Snuggling up in front of the fire and drinking hot chocolate with a book in hand is one of my favourite ways to spend a cosy winter's evening. I love to read feel-good books, especially about languages and philosophy, and a particular favourite author of mine is Meik Wiking. Just before Christmas, I finished his book, ‘The Key to Happiness’. When I turned the page to read his heartwarming words on volunteering, my heart just melted:
“Happiness tip: volunteer. Find ways to volunteer to help others. Improve your community and develop your sense of purpose.”
Volunteering is a rewarding experience and a wonderful way to use your skills and experience to help others. It gives people meaning and social value. Volunteers take a great deal of pride in making a positive contribution to their local community and society.
Volunteering in healthcare holds a special place in the hearts of our volunteers at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL). Most of our volunteers have been patients themselves or are users of our services, so giving something back is important to them.
Volunteering provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain an insight into the world of the NHS and many of our volunteers join us as they wish to pursue a career in healthcare in the future. For many of our volunteers, it is meeting and interacting with patients from all walks of life that makes a real lasting impact. Quite often these experiences become the deciding factor in whether an individual looks to become a nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, or much more. Volunteering is a great way to gain confidence, meet a diverse range of people, and make friends from different generations. Furthermore, volunteering significantly enhances our patient experience by boosting health and well-being, and reduces feelings of social isolation and loneliness.
We have nearly 300 volunteers in a range of roles at WWL from Help Desk and Chaplaincy Volunteers to Hospital Radio Volunteers, Fundraisers, and Ward Volunteers who provide companionship and facilitate activities with our patients. There is something really for everyone. When we meet our volunteers, we get to know them, what they enjoy, and what they would like to learn from volunteering, so that we place them in the right role for them. Volunteering is flexible and easy to fit into your day-to-day life so volunteers can simply contribute a couple of hours a week, which can be in the morning, afternoon, or evening during the week or at the weekend.
While our doors are open to volunteering all year around, there is something special about starting something new at New Year. As we step into 2026, you may be thinking, ‘New Year? New You?’ One of the best ways to finding your ‘New You’ is to volunteer, where you will discover a whole new part of yourself you never knew existed. Want to know more? Please contact Voluntary Services at volunteer@wwl.nhs.uk or on 07899 039 955.