Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is delighted to announce that it has become an NHS-approved activity provider for the volunteering section of The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award participants are now able to volunteer on wards and engage with patients by offering stimulating and fun activities that lift their moods, improve mobility and recovery. They may also be interested in volunteering on one of the Trust’s Help Desks, supporting, meeting and greeting patients and visitors to hospital sites.
Voluntary Services Manager, Nadia Bousseau said: “We are thrilled to become an NHS-approved activity provider for volunteering as part of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. This will open up the doors for young people to learn new skills and gain experience that will set them up for the future. It will also make such a positive difference and impact on our patients, staff and visitors every single day in so many special ways.”
The Duke of Edinburgh is a voluntary youth development programme, where young people complete activities in the sections: volunteering, physical, skills, and expedition, to achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award levels. This programme enables young people to make a positive impact on their local community, boost their confidence, and learn new skills.
WWL CEO, Mary Fleming added: “Being an approved activity provider means that we can support young people in our community towards achieving this prestigious award. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn new skills and gain experience, especially for those looking to work in the NHS in the future.”
Sophie Keaveney, Senior Operations Manager for Approved Activity Providers at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “Here at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we know the positive impact that volunteering has on young people, so we are delighted to welcome on board WWL as an Approved Activity Provider. Between April 2021 and March 2026, DofE participants contributed an astonishing 21 million hours of volunteering - a rewarding way for them to gain experience and life skills in the community. Now with the support of WWL, even more young people will get the valuable opportunity to enrich their lives by helping others in need.”
Volunteering is an enriching and rewarding experience, helping others and giving something back to the community. It also provides volunteers with the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, whilst gaining new experiences and skills. For further information, please contact Voluntary Services at volunteer@wwl.nhs.uk or visit the WWL website here.