Meet the incredible volunteers providing support for mental health and learning disability staff in Leeds

From helping to distribute PPE to making supermarket trips for service users during lockdown, a dedicated team of volunteers have given up their time to support Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the people they care for.

The Trust is still on the look-out for more like-minded people to join their team.

Andrea Wardle, 44, from Meanwood, is currently volunteering on one of the Trust's inpatient wards.

Her role is varied, and involves everything from helping service users to fill out menus, to being a listening ear and assisting with PPE and laundry.

Andrea said: “I was volunteering for the Trust before the Covid-19 outbreak, but moved to an inpatient ward in May.

"It was my understanding that the NHS needed help, so I took this role as soon as it came up.

“I did have some apprehensions about volunteering during Covid-19, but my desire to do something good was greater than my fear of the virus. When I’m volunteering I do feel safe.

“I would definitely encourage other people to volunteer. I feel it has enriched my life and really helped me to grow. It’s helped my confidence and given me new skills that I can use in the future.”

Laura James, 32, from Leeds, did voluntary work on inpatient wards while on furlough.

She helped out with a variety of activities, helped to keep areas clean, replenished PPE and provided support and companionship to service users.

Laura said: “To begin with we all had to get used to the new role and figure out how we could be most useful on the ward.

"Very quickly we began to develop a daily routine.

“I didn’t realise we’d be able to get so hands on with the activities.

"It really helped me to understand some of the different roles within a clinical setting and gave me an insight into the amazing work that is being done in the Trust.

“Everyone on the ward was so patient, encouraging and supportive and really wanted us to make the most of our time there. I loved it.”

In addition to working on the wards, volunteers have also played an instrumental role in warehouses, helping with the distribution of PPE.

Phil Hardisty, Deputy Logistics Manager for the Trust, said: “The volunteers that have helped us have been absolutely fantastic.

“Picking PPE in a warehouse isn’t a particularly glamorous job but they came wanting to help and that’s been brilliant. We could not have done it without them.”

The Trust is currently looking for two volunteers to help champion the safe use of PPE at The Newsam Centre at Seacroft Hospital.

The role involves ensuring the safe and correct use of bins and PPE disposal methods.

Volunteers also need to be on hand to keep stock replenished and help with general tidy ups.

If you would like to find out more, or want to express an interest, email [email protected]

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