The picturesque setting of Bangor Castle welcomed a host of South Eastern Trust Volunteers through its doors to celebrate and acknowledge the fantastic work and contribution they make every day. The Volunteers were invited by the Mayor of Ards and North Down Council, Councillor Alistair Cathcart for a mid-morning tea reception.
The Trust has a range of Volunteers across the South Eastern Trust area, with some having served for over 40 years who continue to offer their invaluable support.
Volunteer Driver, John Armstrong shared how he has been in his role for the past five years. John described how much he enjoys his role adding “I am doing something for the public and for the Health Service. By driving, I am helping people who cannot get to the hospital and who need urgent treatment.”
When asked what he would say to anyone considering becoming a Volunteer, John replied, “I would say to them, ‘come and have a look for yourself’. See if Volunteering is for you. There is plenty of work to be done and there are all different types of Volunteering roles to fill if you have the time to put in to help other people.”
Nicola Wright has been Befriending people aged 65 and over, who are socially isolated for the past two years with the Trust, commented, “I go out into the community and really enjoy Volunteering, I get so much out of it.”
The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the Volunteers by saying, “Throughout my time as Mayor I have been keen to recognise Volunteers within the Borough for their valuable contribution to our local community.
“Volunteers do incredible work and never ask for the recognition they deserve, so it is great to welcome them here to Bangor Castle to acknowledge them for what they do.”
Trust Chairman Jonathan Patton stated, “The Volunteers we have here at the South Eastern Trust are just incredible and I am so proud of the work that they do. There are 370 Volunteers working in a variety of roles across the Trust area assisting our patients, clients and service users who are often at their most vulnerable, whether in hospital or at home, they are making a real difference to their day.
“I am so grateful for their dedication, they bring a very special element to our services that is invaluable, they are an absolutely vital part of the Trust.”
Thanking volunteers for their dedication and commitment, Volunteer Services Manager, Sonya Duffy commented, “Bangor Castle is such a fitting venue to celebrate our wonderful Volunteers at the Mayor’s invitation. Our Volunteers give their time freely to improve the experience of Health and Social Care services for our patients and service users. It was lovely to spend the morning with our Volunteers in this beautiful setting and have the opportunity to thank them for their very important contribution.”
If you are interested in Volunteering, contact the team at volunteer@setrust.hscni.net or call (028) 9056 4817 to find out more.
