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Volunteers Week 2025: Our Volunteer Stories

Group of Volunteers

This week (2nd – 8th June) Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM) is celebrating Volunteers Week 2025, an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Volunteers are an integral part of our organisation. They provide benefits which are above and beyond those supplied by statutory services, and they help to improve the quality of people’s lives.

We would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers who support various roles with a number of teams across our sites, including ward companion hospital volunteers, garden therapy volunteers, Spiritual Care volunteers, end of life companion volunteers, and pet therapy volunteers.

Read the stories of some of our volunteers below.

Junnie Junnie’s Volunteering Story

Junnie has been volunteering with CTM for seven years. She currently volunteers with the Older Persons Mental Health, Ward 15, Princess of Wales Hospital

You can learn more about Junnie’s experience as a volunteer by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRltwjEZJvA

 

Sarah Sarah, Maternity Ward Volunteer at Princess of Wales Hospital

Why did you decide to volunteer in CTM?
As a retired nurse I was looking for a role that was busy and involved interaction with patients and staff members.

What do you enjoy about your volunteer role?
I love being on the ward with the parents and babies helping the midwifery team in any way I can.

What would you say to someone who may be interested in volunteering with CTM?
Volunteering with CTM is really enjoyable and rewarding and I would encourage anyone to find out about starting.

 

 

 

 

 

Gail and Amy Gail Dowle Ward Companion / Activities Volunteer, Ward 7 Ysbyty Cwm Cynon

Why did you decide to volunteer in CTM?
I started volunteering for the health board during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially supported with meet and greet at our local vaccination centre.

What do you enjoy about your volunteer role?
I like meeting new people and helping out where I can. One of my passions is arts and crafts and I enjoy sharing ideas and helping others.

What would you say to someone who may be interested in volunteering with CTM?
I would say that volunteering is a good way to help people and through this you learn more about yourself and about others.

 

Amy Bishop, Ward Companion / Activities Volunteer, Ward 7 Ysbyty Cwm Cynon

Why did you decide to volunteer in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board?
I had spare time and wanted to give back to the community. I chose CTM because I wanted to help support people in need or who may be feeling lonely in hospital settings.

What do you enjoy about your volunteer role?
I enjoy spending time with the people on the ward; it’s great to see them having fun playing games or even just hearing about their lives whilst we walk in the hospital garden.

What would you say to someone who may be interested in volunteering with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board?
I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go. It’s so rewarding and you are making a difference to someone’s day.

 

Gary Whitbread Gary Whitbread, Emergency Department Volunteer, Princess of Wales Hospital

Why did you decide to volunteer for CTM?
I originally registered to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic and volunteered at the first vaccine clinic at Ty Trevithick, Abercynon. I just felt that it was an excellent way of using my existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community.

What do you enjoy about your role?
I have found that volunteering allows me to contribute to a cause I believe in and make a positive impact on others. You also come across some interesting individuals and I have fostered friendships as a result of my volunteering.

What would you say to someone who is interested in volunteering at CTM?
Firstly if you’re retired, as in my case, volunteering promotes physical and mental stimulation, whilst giving me a sense of purpose and meaning. As humans, we rely a lot on routine and structure, and this is what helps to keep us motivated and active.

Secondly, if you’re either currently working, or a student, volunteering enhances your skills development, personal growth and builds your future prospects. For some students, it also enhances their understanding of real-world issues.

Sarah Morgan-Jones, CTM’s Volunteer Service Manager said: “Volunteers Week is a wonderful opportunity to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who support wards and departments across Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. The annual celebration showcases the different types of volunteering and gives thanks to our volunteers for the commitment and dedication they give of their own free will, with no financial gain.

Our volunteers make a huge difference by enhancing patient experience and complementing the work of our staff. Their dedication, care and commitment are hugely appreciated by CTM, our patients, staff and wider community.

We would like to give a big shout out to all of volunteers and thank them for their continued contribution in making a difference for our patients, families and staff. You are all truly inspirational.”

Volunteer with CTM

We are currently recruiting for a number of volunteer roles, including:

  • Ward Companion Volunteers
  • Spiritual Care Volunteers
  • Patient Feedback Volunteers
  • Emergency Department Volunteers
  • Meet & Greet Volunteers
  • Maternity Volunteers

Find out more about volunteering with us. You can also contact our Volunteer Service via the contact details below:

Email: CTUHB_Volunteering@wales.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01656 753783

03/06/2025