Celebrating our CTM Volunteers – Volunteers Week 2026
This Volunteer’s Week, we are proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time, compassion and energy to support patients, families and staff across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
From welcoming visitors at busy hospital entrances, to offering comfort in emergency departments, volunteers are often the first friendly face someone meets when coming into our hospitals.
To celebrate our volunteers and the work they do, we are shining a spotlight on just some of them and their motivations to do what they do!
Meet and Greet Volunteers
Often the first to greet patients as they attend hospital, our meet and greet volunteers across all our hospital sites are there to help you feel comfortable, assist you on where you need to be, or be a reassuring voice should you need it.
Alan has worked within Medicine for over 30 years, and he applied to volunteer on the Information Desk at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. Alan said: “I’ve felt the shared the anxiety visitors and patients feel when coming into the Hospital Environment.
“Simply by directing them to the Hospital Departments and Wards, or listening to worries about being late, I feel I am contributing in a small way to the working of the Hospital.
“The thanks I get as the patients leave confirm this, and I always leave at the end of my shift feeling I have done something good.”
Lyn loves meeting people and helping others and volunteers on the Information Desk. Lyn said: “I love meeting people and helping others, it gives me so much satisfaction and reward. Volunteering gives me a real sense of purpose.
“A smile and greeting can make a difference. I often get feedback and a thank you which makes you feel you have really helped.”
At Princess of Wales Hospital, Jan and Lynne are part of a dedicated team of Meet and Greet volunteers who bring years of experience and commitment to their roles. They said: “We are often the first human connection with patients and visitors who can arrive stressed, anxious, frustrated and overwhelmed.
“A warm welcome, clear directions or a reassuring word can ease anxiety. It is not just about what we do, it’s how we make people feel and, in a hospital environment, that can make all the difference.”
Volunteering in both reception areas and the Emergency Department, Gary has been at the Princess of Wales Hospital for over 5 years. He said, “Someone once said the golden rule of volunteering is not just showing up; it’s putting others first, and that is why my fellow volunteers and I get out of bed in the morning.”
Emergency Department Volunteers
Working in some of the busiest and most challenging environments, our Emergency Department volunteers provide invaluable, non-clinical support to patients, families and staff.
Annmarie volunteers in the Emergency Department at Royal Glamorgan Hospital and said: “I find volunteering very rewarding. It gives me a sense of purpose knowing I can help people and it has helped me to gain more confidence.”
Dawn, worked as a nurse for 42 years before retiring, and she now volunteers in the department. Dawn said: “I wanted to give something back to the national health service, and I am proud to support the Accident & Emergency department, albeit in a small way.”
Since retiring, Marian has also been volunteering in the Emergency Department. She said: “I volunteer because I like to help people and want to give something back to the NHS and its staff for the great job they do in challenging circumstances.
“I meet people from all walks of life and feel good in the knowledge that my contribution, however small, helps patients when they might be feeling vulnerable.”
Jon also within the Emergency Department and he said: “There is no better way of bettering yourself than helping others. (Our) Health Board is a vital part of our community and NHS Wales as a whole, is vital to our nation and who we are.”
Spiritual Care Volunteers
Providing comfort, reflection and connection, our Spiritual Care volunteers support patients, residents and staff across our sites.
Volunteering at Ysbyty George Thomas, Denise first began to visit 20 years ago. She said, “I really enjoy my time spent with regulars at Ysbyty George Thomas Day Unit. We hold a little service, sing some songs, read a Bible portion and say some prayers.
“It is delightful and my welcome is as warm today as it was 20 odd years ago!”
Mavis volunteers within Chaplaincy at Glanrhyd Hospital and explained, “I have the privilege of assisting the Chaplain each week as he provides a service in Glanrhyd Chapel for their ‘residents’.
“This service provides not only an opportunity for spiritual care but an opportunity to support all who attend and has become an oasis for staff and residents alike. It is a joy to see them participate, grow in confidence and form great friendships.”
Ward Volunteers
Across our wards, volunteers offer practical support, companionship and encouragement that enhances patient experience and wellbeing.
Elizabeth is a Ward Activity Volunteer at Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda and is also interested in working within healthcare in the future. She said: “Volunteering in Cwm Taf Morgannwg’s occupational therapy department offers me valuable hands-on experience in health careers. It’s a chance for me to develop key skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy while building professional contacts that could help me secure future roles.
“I also find personal fulfilment by positively impacting patients’ lives.”
Temitope is a Ward Volunteer within the Princess of Wales, and said that “Volunteering at the hospital is a deeply rewarding experience that not only enhances the lives of patients but also enriches my own personal development.
“I volunteer to give back and support those in need and also make new connections. Volunteering brings me joy and a sense of fulfilment and purpose, connecting me with others.”
Suzanne is one of our volunteers on the Maternity Ward and explained: “I love volunteering on the maternity ward and seeing the new babies with their families. Having a chat with a new mums, dads or grandparents and sharing their experiences is a lovely way to make them feel valued, supported and gives them confidence as they take their precious bundle home.”
Good to Grow Volunteers, Y Bwthyn
The gardening group at Princess of Wales is made up of patients and volunteers who have developed the garden space to grow a range of fruit, veg and herbs. They also plant seasonal flowers to brighten the area within the communal garden space in Y Bwthyn.
One of the volunteers, Chris, said: “The feeling of fellowship that we get working on the garden together is palpable, whatever our ability or gardening skills. The most common sound from both volunteers and patients is laughter (except when another delivery of topsoil, compost or gravel arrives to be transported to the raised beds!).
“If anyone is thinking of volunteering I would say have a go. There are so many organisations that need volunteers that you are sure to find something to fit your skill set. You will also probably have a lot of fun.”
To every volunteer across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, thank you. Your kindness, dedication and generosity of spirit embody the very best of our values.
Volunteer’s Week is an opportunity to recognise the difference you make, but your impact is felt all year round.
The CTM Seren Annual Awards are now open for nominations and what better way to mark Volunteers Week, than by nominating a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to generously give their time, energy and commitment to help others.
This includes volunteers who directly support CTM services, improving the experience of patients, visitors and families and, expanded for 2026, CTM staff who volunteer their own time outside work supporting charities, community groups or local initiatives across the CTM area.
If you would like to nominate a volunteer, find out more here: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/ctm-seren-annual-awards-2026-public-nominations-now-open/
If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities available within CTM, please visit this webpage: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/jobs/volunteering-for-us/