The gifts include books, arts and crafts and have been donated to help to reduce boredom and isolation which is commonly associated with dementia.
Royal Voluntary Service volunteers have donated £500 of gift funds to ward 6 and 7 staff at Westmorland General Hospital to purchase meaningful and engaging activities for patients including books, arts and crafts. They will help to reduce boredom and isolation which is commonly associated with dementia.
The RVS and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) are working together to develop volunteer-led services and calming environments on wards to improve the wellbeing of older patients with long-term conditions such as dementia during their stay. This integrated approach between UHMBT and RVS helps volunteers give companionship and reassurance, relieve boredom, read, arts and crafts and a whole host of other activities.
Lynne Wyre, Director of Nursing, UHMBT, said: "This is a great initiative and we are pleased to be working with the Royal Voluntary Service. Volunteers are a real asset to our teams and contribute to providing a positive patient experience. Activities such as chatting to patients, reading with them, or playing cards really helps to keep patients physically and mentally active and sociable, which is so important. “I would like to thank the RVS for their continued support, particularly all our volunteers for their dedication and time spent supporting their local hospitals.
Barry Rigg, Community Engagement Manager, UHMBT, said: "The RVS play a really important part within our hospitals. I know volunteers look forward to making a real difference; small acts of kindness such as taking the time to have a chat and reading a book have a significant impact on the wellbeing of patients. We are delighted to receive the ward gifts. The money was raised through the efforts of our dedicated service Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who support the café and retail Provision. I know that our volunteers hugely enjoy their work and it is very much appreciated by everyone who uses the services. RVS services at the hospital give customers much more than a place to buy refreshments and gifts; the RVS volunteers give a friendly face and empathetic ear for patients, staff and those visiting loved ones at the hospital.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of the largest volunteering charities in Britain powered by more than 25,000 volunteers who regularly give practical help to over 100,000 older people in their homes, communities and in hospitals.
If anyone is interested in the Royal Voluntary Service volunteer positions, please email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01539 760001.