Volunteers' Week: Thank you to our volunteers

Zoe Perrin is a Volunteer Research Assistant and Champion for KCHFT.

She said: "Part of my neuroscience degree includes doing a year-long work placement. The majority of placements are paid, but when I saw the opportunity to volunteer in the research department of KCHFT, I decided to go for it, hoping I'd get a richer experience. 

"A huge benefit of volunteering at an NHS trust is having the chance to really be a part of things. You don’t just do little side tasks, I’ve been able to get involved in all parts of the research process, from writing a protocol to carrying out interviews which has been just incredible.

"At first it was daunting, everyone using terms and acronyms I didn’t know, but no matter where I have helped out, people are happy to help explain things if I feel confused or unsure.

I’ve gained so much from this placement: Teamwork, organisation skills, research-based skills like digital literacy, interviewing and coding. Getting to understand how a research team operates and how the public are involved in our research has been really interesting. 

"I would 100 per cent recommend volunteering, you are integrated into what you are doing and you learn so much every day."

Kirsty Zweck went from volunteer to career in breastfeeding support.

She said: "I signed up to be a breastfeeding peer support volunteer to help other mums both practically and emotionally with their feeding journeys.

"When I was a new first-time mum I initially struggled with latching my son and was anxious to ‘get everything right’.  I accessed support from volunteer peer support workers and went on to feed both my sons until they were over two years old. I wanted to share my experience with other mums and give back as a way of thanking those who had supported me.

"I am really passionate about breastfeeding and loved being able to help mums continue their journeys positively and overcome problems. It was really rewarding to follow the progress that they were making and how well their little ones were doing.

"It is not always an easy thing to do. Understandably, some mums are so exhausted and emotional that they would sit down and then burst into tears. On these occasions I would listen and try identify positives and help show mums how amazing they are. 

"From volunteering, I gained so much knowledge about how lactation works and how to identify deep and shallow latches.  I volunteered alongside the health visiting team and was able to further my knowledge by observing the running of the clinic. 

"I would 100 per cent recommend volunteering, it was an extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience. From my time as a peer support worker I was able to branch out into a career within the infant feeding team and am now in paid employment supporting mums with their feeding journeys at KCHFT.

"Volunteering has given me additional skills and knowledge but mostly it was just lovely meeting mums and being part of their feeding experience and helping them to reach their goals." 

The People’s Network is made up of individuals from all walks of life including patients, carers, community representatives, and governors, who come together to share their lived experiences and perspectives.

Their contributions influence policies, improve services and make sure that decision-making is centred on what truly matters: the people we care for.

Participation Partners work alongside our teams to co-design solutions, making services more accessible, inclusive and effective. Whether it’s sitting on governance groups, improving patient information, or helping redesign clinical pathways, they play a vital role.

The People’s Network is committed to tackling health inequalities and ensuring services are accessible to all.

Examples of the network's recent work includes:

• simplifying the bladder diary used in patient assessments. With their help, the team developed a more user-friendly version, which has significantly improved completion rates and, in turn, patient outcomes.
• increased awareness of accessibility issues at KCHFT.

Peter: 'If I can help change the culture, I know I've made a difference'

Peter Zein, a Participation Partner, knows first-hand the challenges of navigating healthcare services with a disability.

As a wheelchair user who relies on a communication aid, Peter has experienced accessibility barriers that made engaging with services difficult. Rather than accept these challenges, he chose to use his voice to drive change.

“In the past, I had issues with some services, and I don’t want any other person with a disability to feel how I did,” Peter explained. “If I can help change the culture and ensure every person gets the same respect and service, then I know I’ve made a difference.”

Through the People’s Network, Peter has worked to highlight accessibility issues in healthcare buildings, encouraging improvements in physical access. He has also driven and shaped discussions around inclusivity, ensuring services consider the diverse needs of patients

By co-designing an interview skills training session, Participating Managers have also empowered more patients, carers, and volunteers to sit on recruitment panels across the Trust. Participation Partners are now involved in selecting new staff, ensuring that the patient voice is heard from the very start.

Susan Reader and Sylvia Turner are volunteer gardeners at Deal Community Hospital.

Susan: "I like the feeling of giving something back'

She said: "In 2022 I saw an article in the local community magazine asking for volunteers to help in the Deal Hospital Garden. My husband had died in 2021 and I thought this would help me through some difficult times. I have always taken great pleasure in gardening and I started the voluntary role in April 2022.

"I enjoy the companionship of the garden volunteers. While we work we talk about many different things and, even if I am feeling a little sad, we always find something to make us laugh. Sue is our tea and biscuits saviour after some hard work and I like the feeling of giving something back to Deal Hospital, helping to give staff, patients and their visitors somewhere peaceful and beautiful to sit where they can enjoy a quiet few minutes.

"We do many different jobs but one challenge I remember well was helping paint the summerhouse that is in the staff's garden. The weather was cold and windy but we managed it!

"I have become a member of a lovely group of people who all share the enthusiasm to keep the hospital gardens that we look after at their best and I appreciate the varied skills and knowledge that are brought to our group by its members.

"I would most definitely recommend becoming a garden volunteer. All that is required is enthusiasm and a willingness to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. Don't be put off if your gardening knowledge is minimal, you will soon pick it up! 

"Last year we had a volunteer’s day out at Walmer castle and it was a really lovely treat for us, and, yes, we do scrub up quite well when we want to!"

Sylvia: "Working in the open air is wonderful'

Sylvia said: "I volunteered because I wanted to give some time to the health service. I also enjoy working and meeting others with a similar outlook. Reaching our goals and working in the open air is wonderful. I have also enhanced my gardening knowledge from others in the team.

"The only challenges I have experienced is some of the paperwork needed for volunteering takes time. I would recommend gardening volunteering to anyone with a passion for gardening. Volunteers feel wanted, can achieve a purpose sometimes on a regular basis, meet others and gain some structure to perhaps an empty week. Volunteering in Deal Gardens, helping on an ad hoc basis suits my sometimes-last minute lifestyle."

Coral Marsden has recently become a Patient's Programme Volunteer Facilitator, which means that she runs KCHFT's free six-week course for individuals who live with one or more long-term health conditions. 

She said: "I was told about the EPP facilitator training by my friend and I thought it would be a good opportunity to give back to people and to give me confidence in my own life. I enjoy volunteering because it’s a low-pressure way of helping people.

"Due to my health issues, I’ve not been able to complete a course for some 10 years, so I was concerned about the training, two sessions a week for six weeks. I’m very proud to have successfully completed the training and look forward to delivering the course.  I found the action planning really helpful, it helped me focus and also to find ways to manage when things didn’t go to plan. There was a really positive atmosphere during the training which helped me gain confidence.

"I would recommend others to volunteer because as a facilitator you have the opportunity to help people learn strategies to help manage life with a long-term condition, as well as reinforce those strategies for yourself."

Kathryn Salmon is a Volunteer Walk Leader

"I enjoy volunteering and helping people. As a keen walker, I understand the physical and mental benefits of walking and being in nature. Leading walks gives me the chance to support others in discovering these benefits for themselves and connect with like-minded individuals.

"It’s a wonderful reason to get outdoors regularly. I also love meeting interesting people, hearing their stories and seeing how walking transforms their health and wellbeing, which is incredibly rewarding

"I've become adept at route planning and risk assessments, ensuring walks are both safe and enjoyable. Volunteering has strengthened my communication and listening skills, as I make sure all walkers feel included and heard. Additionally, managing group dynamics has taught me how to lead effectively and adapt to different needs.

"I would absolutely recommend volunteering as a walk leader to others! The training is fantastic, and the role offers a wonderful opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds. It's inspiring to witness how much joy and confidence walking brings to participants it’s truly fulfilling."

Jane Pyne is a volunteer at Hawkhurst Hospital.

She said: "I had been in banking and accounts manager, fostered children and been a carer. When all that stopped, I had a void in my life that I needed to fill. 'What can I do?' I thought. That's when I hit upon the idea of being a volunteer at Hawkhurst. 

"I love chatting and learning about people and their lives and the hospital is packed with interesting people. I arranged to work two hours on a Monday afternoon and it suits me perfectly.

"When I go in, I always ask the nurses on the furthest station who they would like me to see or sit with. Sometimes I can see half a dozen patients, other times just one patient will be in particular need, so I stay with them.

"The patients seem very happy at Hawkhurst and grateful for the lovely staff around them. Many are a long way away from family and friends and do not have any visitors, so we play a vital role. I love chatting and laughing with people and finding out about their lives. 

"For me personally I love going to Hawkhurst. It is a truly lovely hospital. I get just as much out of volunteering there as I give back."

The KCHFT Public Health Bus is on the road for Volunteers' Week, packed with info about volunteering with KCHFT. Come along for a chat, a cuppa, and some cake, on the following times and dates: