Leeds Hospitals Charity volunteers create moments that matter
Leeds Hospitals Charity has a growing community of volunteers supporting patients, families and staff across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, together contributing thousands of hours to make a real difference every day.
Over the past year alone, 515 volunteers have given over 24,000 hours of their time, welcomed over 11,000 patients and visitors, and distributed more than 5,700 items to patients and families through the charity’s trolley service.
This Volunteers’ Week, the charity is shining a light on the impact its volunteer community has far beyond the numbers. It’s about the small moments that matter – a friendly conversation, help finding a ward, or a warm welcome at a difficult time.
From hospital corridors to charity shops, volunteers give their time, energy and compassion to create meaningful moments. Whether it’s offering someone a brew on a ward, helping navigate a busy hospital, or simply sharing a smile, they play a vital role in improving day-to-day experiences.
In hospitals across Leeds, volunteers are now supporting patients in a wide variety of ways, from piano volunteers bringing moments of calm, to trolley volunteers offering comfort through small treats, to welcome volunteers helping thousands of patients and visitors find their way each year.
One of the Trolley Volunteers, Sumana said: “The smiling faces I see on the wards are the reason I continue to volunteer.
"Sometimes parents tell us that we are a lifesaver to them, by simply offering them a cup of tea and a granola bar.
"After visiting some of the wards a few times, the children know when to expect us and some are waiting for us to arrive and say ‘please come back tomorrow!’
“Volunteering also gives me the opportunity to meet lots of people from other cultures and is of great benefit to me too! I’ve recommended volunteering to lots of my friends.”
These seemingly simple contributions can have a profound impact. A kind word or a listening ear can ease anxiety, reduce loneliness and brighten what may be a difficult day.
For many volunteers, these interactions are the most rewarding part of their role, knowing their presence helps people feel seen, heard and supported.
Rachel Robinson, Head of Volunteering at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Hospitals Charity.
"Whether they’re offering a reassuring conversation on a ward or welcoming customers into one of our shops, they create moments that matter every single day.
“It’s those small, human connections that can truly change how someone feels – and that’s what makes such a lasting difference for patients, families and members of the public.”
Across both hospital and retail settings, one thing remains constant: the difference volunteers make through everyday interactions. Hospital volunteers offer comfort during uncertain times, while retail volunteers create welcoming spaces within the community.
And as Leeds Teaching Hospitals continues to grow and evolve, so too does the need for volunteers who can help create those moments that matter which stay with patients, families and the people of Leeds.