Our volunteers are amazing people! Each and every one of them provides invaluable help in supporting the work of the Trust and enriching the experience of our patients.

This month we sat down with Catt Kinsey, who is Voluntary Services Manager at the Trust. Catt tells us more about the role of volunteering and why volunteers are so important to the Trust.

Catt Kinsey, Voluntary Services Manager

Why should someone volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community and we know that our team get so much out of it. Volunteering can help you gain experience in a health setting, keep you fit, provide a sense of purpose and even increase happiness!

In a 2024 survey, 96% of volunteers said volunteering at the Royal Devon had either met or exceeded their expectations. When asked ‘What you would say to someone thinking about volunteering at the Royal Devon’ Graham, a volunteer in North Devon District Hospital said:

“Just do it! You will not regret it and it will provide you with great satisfaction. You will be kept busy helping others, meeting new people, feeling needed, part of a valuable team and part of something very important.”

What is the role of a volunteer?

We are so fortunate to have volunteers giving their time in a variety of roles across the Trust. From easing anxieties at our entrances, to visiting with therapy dogs, supporting on wards to broadcasting song requests and much more. Whatever their role, all of our volunteers make an incredible difference to patients, visitors and staff. 

How are volunteers supported?

We really value our volunteers and looking after and supporting them is a huge part of my role.

When starting in the role, volunteers are allocated a local supervisor for support, induction and additional training. All volunteers are part of the wider volunteer service, where they will receive check-ins, newsletters and invites to our recognition events. As well as this, volunteers can access the same well-being support the Trust has in place for staff, this includes spiritual well-being and counselling.

It is important that we recognise and thank our volunteers so we hold two key celebration events in both North Devon and East Devon each year. Volunteers can also access a parking permit for when they are on duty and claim reasonable expenses.

Why are volunteers so important to the Trust?

Volunteers really support the experience of patients and visitors at our sites. By offering non-clinical support, volunteers play an important role in enhancing the quality of service delivery, reducing inequalities and improving outcomes in health, public health and social care.

We estimate that volunteers gave over 25,000 hours of their time to the Trust during 2024. This is truly amazing and showcases the level of commitment our volunteers have. Going forward, we want to build on volunteering and promote volunteering as a valued and integral service across the Trust. As part of this, the first Volunteer Strategy covering 2024-2027 was launched, setting out objectives to maximise the potential of the service and increase volunteer recognition.

What’s the most important thing you want people to know about our volunteers?

I just want to share my heartfelt gratitude for all of our volunteers across the Royal Devon. Whether someone supports on an occasional basis or comes in regularly to a ward, the help is appreciated. Our volunteers bring such a diverse range of experience and skills and we are lucky to witness the difference they make. I encourage you to say hello if you see anyone wearing a purple volunteer polo shirt!

How can people find out more?

You can find out more about volunteering at the Royal Devon here. You’ll be able to browse our latest opportunities, hear from current volunteers and learn more about our application process.

For any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing rduh.volunteering@nhs.net.

 Royal Devon volunteers