Students and staff recognised in Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Volunteers and Charity Awards

Students and staff at Walsall College were thrilled to have their community work recognised through Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Volunteers and Charity Awards.

The college was presented with the Young People Award during a special ceremony.  In addition to this, former health and social care student, Brooke Wain was a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year – Young Person award category while former Access to Health student, Charlie Wilson came away with the award.

The event organised by the Patient Relations and Experience Team and Well Wishers charity took place at Pelsall Community Centre.  Guests heard many stories of people’s selflessness and how they repeatedly go the extra mile to help others.

The college received the Young People Award after carrying out activities on behalf of the Manor Hospital’s Well Wishers charity.

Around 70 childcare and early years students learnt to crochet and make blankets for babies in the neo-natal unit.  They later presented these to the hospital in customised boxes decorated with their crochet pieces.

Former student, Louisa Hamer who is now an early childhood studies undergraduate was pleased to hear about the college’s award win.

“This was an amazing project to work on,” she said.

“We knew we were offering support and comfort to newborn babies and their families, making it a fun and rewarding experience.

“Learning to crochet was a challenge for some of us, but it felt great to put in the effort and improve.  Life can feel overwhelming and through our crochet work we saw how important it is to take time for yourself with an activity that supports both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

“We’re grateful to The Trust for this opportunity to do something for others and for this special award.”

Former health and social care student, Brooke Wain was a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year Young Person award category while former protective services and health student, Charlie Wilson won the award.

Charlie, who is now a nursing undergraduate at Staffordshire University was also announced as the Volunteer Contribution Gold Award winner.  Over the last 18 months she has volunteered in the hospital’s maternity department and surgical ward.

She also helped to meet and greet Trust patients and visitors and assisted staff during bespoke events.

21-year-old Charlie said: “Volunteering at The Trust has been enjoyable and incredibly fulfilling.

“It’s helped me build my confidence in ways I never expected. I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know patients and staff and helping to run events.

“Being a volunteer here is a rewarding experience because you see the impact of your work all around you.  That’s why I’d recommend this role to others.”

Charlie added: I can’t thank The Trust enough for supporting my development and career ambitions, and of course, for their friendship.”

Sir David Nicholson, KCB CBE, Chair of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Board, described the award winners as: “The beating heart of Walsall’s NHS” and urged them to be proud of the invaluable contribution they have made to Walsall Manor Hospital and its community services.

Lisa Carroll, Chief Nursing Officer said: “We’re delighted to see our unsung heroes take centre stage so we can celebrate their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm which positively impact(s) our patients and staff.”

Garry Perry, Associate Director – Patient Voice, said: “Our volunteers don’t stop to think about the enormous difference they make every day to our patients and our teams within Walsall Healthcare. So, to be able to acknowledge them in this way was so rewarding for us all.

“They were the centre of attention for once and deservedly so.”