The Department of Health has renewed its encouragement of volunteering in the NHS since the 1990s and the Government designated 2005 as the Year of the Volunteer, recognising the contribution of volunteers in all walks of life and encouraging further recruitment of people willing to give their time and skills without financial reward.

John Reid, in November 2004 when he was Secretary of State for Health, pointed out in his delivery of the Edith Kahn Memorial Lecture, that better support is needed for volunteers, rather than nurturing "pre-conceived notions of them as tea ladies and blue-rinsed fundraisers".

The value of work done by volunteers across the City of Sunderland can be estimated to be about £12 million per year. National statistics show some of the benefits of volunteering as expressed by some of the 20 million volunteers country-wide.

• 47% say it has improved their physical health;
• 48% say it makes them less depressed;
• 62% of volunteers over 65 say it reduces stress;
• a third of volunteers aged 18 - 24 say they have taken less time off work.

Watch this space for future developments! If you have ideas for volunteering opportunities in any of the three Trusts, or think you would like to volunteer, please contact:

Maureen Dale
0191 529 7114
maureen.dale@suntpct.nhs.uk

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways of being involved in the local health community. From hospital visiting, sitting to relieve a carer, Sure Start projects working with young families and patient participation groups, there are many ways to be a volunteer.

If you are interested, you can contact: