St Andrew’s Healthcare Voluntary Services Team Named King’s Award Winners
A team that supports people with complex mental health needs has received the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Voluntary Services team from St Andrew’s Healthcare, located in Northampton, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024, which recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups which support their local communities.
The accolade, equivalent to an MBE, has been awarded to St Andrew’s Healthcare in recognition of the work their volunteer team does, and the impact they have on the lives of hundreds of patients.
Simon is a patient at St Andrew’s and has benefitted from the Befriending service, which involves a volunteer him on a regular basis.
Simon said: “The volunteering team has really made a difference to my recovery at St Andrew’s. Some people don’t have family and friends to visit, but I do. However, sometimes family visits can be quite intensive. I found very often I was putting on a brave face to the ones I loved, so they did not worry about me.
“That is why having a Befriender is such a worthwhile and essential service to everyone, even people like me who have visitors. It truly makes all the difference having a visit from a volunteer as there are no expectations, and you can share as much, or as little with that person as you like, while keeping a connection with the outside world.”
Dawn Wright, Voluntary Services Manager, said:
“Our volunteers are so generous and bring a special kind of magic to our patients, contributing to their recovery in a variety of different ways. Each and every one of them bring something unique to our organisation and patients, something that cannot be replicated by staff or family members.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award as it sends a strong message to our local community about how vital volunteers are to the people in our care. Our volunteers provide added benefit to the charity by complementing the work of our paid colleagues. They bring varied skills, experiences and ideas, very often providing one-to-one time with patients, which enhances their lives. I couldn’t be any prouder of them and my team for receiving this incredible award.
“But it’s not just our patients who benefit from volunteering; our volunteers themselves say they gain a huge amount from working with us. Many of them have told us how they really feel part of the St Andrew’s community, have made new friends and have learnt lots of new skills. We welcome anyone who walks through our doors, from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, interests and experiences, who want to make a difference.”
Dr Vivienne McVey, CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, said:
“We’re enormously proud to have received this prestigious accolade. We value our volunteers as they play such an important role in our patient’s recovery. I know many of our volunteers personally and have seen them grow in confidence and gain additional skills.
“I have also heard many stories where volunteers have brought light to the lives of some of our patients – many of whom do not have family or friends who visit, but have found support and friendship from our volunteers.”
