By Isle of Wight ObserverAn Isle of Wight NHS Trust volunteer Julian Parker has been shortlisted for the HelpForce Champions – National awards for health volunteers 2018.
The awards, which take place in central London on Thursday (November 8), will celebrate the varied ways in which volunteers across the country are giving their time to benefit patients, staff, and communities.
By shining a light on the range of ways that volunteers are involved in the NHS, the HelpForce Champions Awards will show that dedicated volunteers can contribute to a more compassionate care system for everyone.
Cathy Armstrong, volunteers and careers co-ordinator at the trust said: “We nominated Julian for the Young Volunteer of the Year award because he has shown true kindness within his volunteering.
“He is always on time, is friendly, helpful and a true asset to the team. He loves getting involved, talking to staff, patients and visitors and no job is considered too small for him to complete.
“We have really seen Julian come out of his shell; going from a quiet shy lad to an engaging and happy man. His smile is totally infectious and we have loved having him as part of the team.”
Chief Executive Maggie Oldham added: “We are absolutely delighted that Julian has been nominated and we would be thrilled for him to win”.
Founder and chair of HelpForce Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, said: “We have been humbled to see so many examples of inspiring volunteering from across the country. We know the benefits that well managed volunteers bring, with substantial improvements in patient care and positive feedback from NHS staff.
“HelpForce is on a mission to inspire as many people as possible to enjoy being part of the health and care of British people, and I look forward to celebrating and thanking all those volunteers who are giving so much.”
The categories being celebrated at the awards are:
- Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Outstanding Staff Champion for Volunteers
- Volunteer Leader of the Year
- Partnership Working in Volunteering
- Innovation in Volunteering Award
- Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity in Volunteering
