Volunteer Team shortlisted for ‘Champions’ Awards 2022

The Headland Unit Patient Volunteer Team at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year Award at the Helpforce Champions Awards 2022, providing national recognition of their fantastic contribution to volunteering in the health and care sector.

The awards are an opportunity to shine a light on those who give their time to help staff in the NHS – as well as voluntary and community organisations – and support patients and their families and carers.

Verity Barker, Voluntary Services Manager for Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are elated that the Headland Unit Patient Volunteer Team has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. Many of our volunteers have been with us for over ten years, and they have worked tirelessly to support our patients and colleagues throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re a valued part of our workforce and provide such a fantastic service, and they really make a difference.”

“It’s not just about offering patients a cup of tea,” Verity continues. “A cup of tea and biscuit brings normality to what can be a frightening experience for our patients. The comfort and support that that little slice of normality brings is without price! We wish our volunteer team every success at the ceremony later this week.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of Helpforce, said: “2020 and 2021 have seen the NHS and all our healthcare services face one of the biggest challenges in their history, and we have seen volunteers step up in their thousands to help.

“This year, we have received a record number of entries for the Helpforce Champions Awards with so many brilliant examples of innovation, great practice, commitment, and real passion for patient care and support for staff across the health and care sector in the UK. We want to thank everyone for taking the time to recognise the volunteers and send our congratulations to those who have been shortlisted and we’d like to wish them the best of luck.”

Winners will be announced on the Helpforce website and social media channels on 7th November.

The categories being celebrated at the awards are:

• Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year
• Volunteer to Career: Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England
• Volunteer Manager of the Year
• Outstanding Staff Champion for Volunteers
• Health Leader Champion for Volunteering
• Breaking down Barriers Award

Helpforce partners with health and care organisations across the UK to accelerate the growth and impact of volunteering. It is an independent not-for-profit innovator, focused on co-creation of volunteering projects with NHS Trusts and systems, and rapidly sharing insights and best practice.