Royal Voluntary Service Calls for 60 Hospital Trolley Volunteers in South Wales
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is making an urgent appeal for approximately 60 Hospital Trolley Volunteers to assist patients, staff, and visitors at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend. This vital service is entirely volunteer-led, designed to support individuals who are unable or lack the time to visit hospital shops on their own.
Bringing Comfort and Connection to Hospital Wards
Volunteers play a crucial role by delivering refreshments, reading materials, toiletries, and healthy treats directly to hospital wards, significantly easing the challenges of hospital stays. Beyond merely providing goods, the iconic RVS trolley fosters meaningful connections, offering a friendly face and an opportunity for conversation. This interaction helps alleviate worries and loneliness, particularly for patients who receive no visitors during their stay, making a profound difference in their experience.
Supporting Both Patients and Staff
In addition to benefiting patients, the RVS trolley is a welcome resource for busy hospital staff, who can grab a much-needed snack or refreshment during their shifts. Helen Baylis, retail area manager at Royal Voluntary Service, emphasized the urgency of the need, stating, "We're in urgent need of volunteers to support our hospital trolley services in South Wales. This is a great opportunity to join a friendly, supportive team while making a real difference to people's hospital experience. Our volunteers tell us how rewarding it is to know that even a short visit with the trolley can brighten someone's day."
Flexible Volunteering Opportunities
The trolley volunteer role offers considerable flexibility, with time slots available in the morning, afternoon, or evening for volunteers to take the trolley out on the wards. Zainab Ocheni, an RVS trolley volunteer, shared her experience, saying, "A lot of the time we find that patients are unable to go and get something from the shop, so when we roll in with the trolley, the moments of happiness and joy that we see are so rewarding. If anyone is looking to make an impact, there's no better way to give back than with RVS. They're so flexible with their timings, allowing me to fit volunteering around my schedule as a single mum without any pressure."
How to Get Involved
Individuals interested in volunteering as trolley volunteers can contact retail area manager Helen Baylis via email at Helen.Baylis@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk. Alternatively, they can sign up directly through the Royal Voluntary Service website for opportunities at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and Princess of Wales Hospital, located in Bridgend and Pontyclun.
