Happy Volunteers' Week
It’s National Volunteers’ Week (1 to 7 June 2026) and we’re celebrating the 145 incredible volunteers who make such a difference across KCHFT.
From gardeners and peer support volunteers to PAT dog handlers, public governors and more, their kindness, time and commitment help us go further every day and enrich the experience for patients, families and colleagues alike.
'I love being able to share Mavis'
'As an osteopath, it's helped me to gain vital experience'
Peter Zein has volunteered with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust for several years, bringing his lived experience of disability into meetings and panels, including work linked to infection prevention and control. He says he is 'proud to volunteer with KCHFT and to work alongside people who value lived experience.'
Peter’s motivation is to help change perceptions of disability: “I wanted to help change how people think about disability and show that disabled people have knowledge, skills and insight to offer,” he explained.
He uses a communication aid and often contributes via the chat function in meetings, supported by colleagues who pause, check understanding and help rephrase his contributions. “They understand how I communicate and support me by pausing, checking understanding and helping rephrase my words so my points are clear.”
Volunteering has helped build his confidence and shows the power of genuine inclusion. He reflected: “Colleagues listen to me, support me and make adjustments so I can be included properly.”
'You get more than you give back'
Expert Patients Programme (EPP) volunteers support people living with long-term health conditions across Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust by sharing lived experience and helping others feel more confident, informed and supported.
For volunteer Amanda Moore, the EPP course had a profound impact. She said: “The EPP course enabled me to find my new self and to have a confidence in that. Amanda said she volunteered as a facilitator after giving up a job she loved due to her health. “I really wanted to find my niche again doing something that would help others and at the same time I’d feel rewarded for."
Volunteer Zoe Greenhill-Jeffrey said: “The course gave me practical tools and confidence to managing my long-term condition. The supportive group environment helped me feel less alone.”
Julie Walsh said: “The EPP course gave me the confidence and tools I needed to advocate for myself regarding my long-term health condition. Long-standing volunteer Terence McEnroe added: “As a volunteer for the NHS you can do as much as you like or as little as you want.”
Chris Morley: 'It's about listening and helping to shape services'
Chris Morley is one of our public governors, bringing a strong commitment to listening, engagement and community voice. In his role, he helps ensure that decisions are informed by the experiences of patients, carers and the wider public.
Chris said: “Being a public governor gives me the opportunity to make sure people’s voices are heard where it really matters. It is about listening, asking questions and helping to shape services that work for our communities. What matters most to me is that we are not just talking about services in theory, but understanding what it feels like to use them and using that to make improvements.”
Through his role, Chris works alongside other governors and Trust colleagues to support openness, accountability and a strong connection between KCHFT and the communities it serves.
