Investing in Volunteers
30/07/2012
The Western Trust is the first health Trust in Northern Ireland to receive a Volunteer Now ‘Investing in Volunteers Award’. The coveted award recognises the Trust’s longstanding and positive promotion of volunteering and support to volunteers.
Anne Love, Volunteer Manager, Western Trust said: “We currently have more than 200 volunteers assisting across our hospitals and community facilities. Each volunteer makes an invaluable contribution to the ward or facility they are based in and are well integrated into the teams within these areas. Volunteers range from 16 to 90 years old. Each has a different reason for volunteering from those who have free time and wish to assist others to those who wish to gain healthcare experience to inform career choice.”
Anne added “I am delighted that the Trust has received the awards as it recognises our management of the volunteer scheme and helps us to further raise the profile of volunteering within the Trust. Achieving the award is testament to the hard work of our many volunteers.”
Accepting the ‘Investing in Volunteers Award’, Western Trust Chairman Gerard Guckian said: “We are delighted to be the first Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland to receive this award as recognition of the high standards of service that we achieve. It is confirmation that the Trust is following best practice and procedures in supporting volunteers.
“The Trust recognises and appreciate that volunteers support our paid staff and enhance the service offered to our patients and clients. The volunteers can be reassured that the Western Trust is working to a very high standard to give them the best induction and volunteer experience possible. Their contribution makes a difference and we are delighted that our commitment to providing quality opportunities for volunteering has been confirmed in receiving this award".
Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now in presenting the award said: "Investing in Volunteers is a recognised UK quality standard for excellence in involving and managing volunteers. Success in gaining the award demonstrates that the Western Trust values the contribution volunteers make and that their volunteers appreciate the experience and skills gained and are motivated and supported to add value to patient and client care. I warmly congratulate the Trust on their achievement."
If you would like to find out more information about becoming a volunteer at the Western Trust, please speak to Anne Love or Wendy Doherty, telephone 028 7161 1155.