Volunteer spotlight: Rachel Blythe
Volunteer spotlight: Rachel Blythe
02 June 2017
“As a Patient Activities Volunteer, I visit the ward on weekends, prepared with an activity plan and a few other volunteers,” said Rachel. “We gather the patients together and provide them with entertaining activities to do, e.g. baking, painting, reading.”
Patients in the unit can suffer from a wide range of neurological conditions, including stroke, brain tumours and multiple sclerosis and often have lengthy stays throughout their rehabilitation process.
They undergo intensive therapy sessions during the week but on the weekend, boredom can set in, especially for patients with no family members close by.
By keeping the patients entertained and stimulating their brains, volunteers like Rachel are playing a crucial part in their recovery.
Rachel heard about the Trust through the Imperial College Volunteering Fair and got in touch about becoming a Patients Activities Volunteer. “The role description suited me perfectly, so I applied to be a part of the team.”
“It is one of the most rewarding volunteer positions I have ever held and we frequently receive gratitude from patients who have tangibly felt better after we have been in to see them, even if just for a quick chat.”
One of Rachel’s most memorable moments was taking a walk with a patient who had trouble expressing her thoughts.
“I spent the time making sure she never gave up on communicating what she was trying to say – she wanted to keep up to date on current affairs and she didn’t like the fruit she had so we got her some newspapers and fresh fruit. When we went back to the hospital afterwards, she held my hand and said thank you really carefully and it was one of the most fulfilling days I've ever had.”
Rachel believes that volunteers are vital to the trust and that while patients benefit hugely, so do the volunteers.
“Getting hospital experience and helping patients relieve boredom on weekends has provided me with a better understanding of the medical profession and has introduced me to like-minded individuals that care and seek to help vulnerable people.”
“Volunteering provides a number of qualities I don't gain doing other activities; genuine insight into other people's lives, new perspectives, empathy, and the experiences and friendships made are invaluable.”
If you’d like to get involved or find out more about volunteering with the charity, visit our volunteering page.
