To mark #PowerOfYouth Day this Volunteers’ Week, we are delighted to be able to share two blogs highlighting the invaluable contribution of young volunteers in the NHS, written by Fizz and Poppy, who are both volunteering in the Pathology Department at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust:
“I think it’s really important to have young people volunteering in the NHS and it has helped me to consider my options for my career. I didn’t even know how many jobs there were to do in the pathology department let alone the whole hospital! I feel that I am part of something BIG. The feeling of solidarity in hospitals is tangible with everything that’s going on and it’s been really incredible to be a part of that. I know it’s a cliché, but it feels good to do good!! – whether I’m part of a huge change or just helping out a little bit day by day, I feel so much better than doing nothing at all!
I believe that we need young people engaged in our communities and not to be discounted as a generation that’s technology obsessed and lacks perspective. We are an incredibly driven and passionate generation that can do a world of good and social media is our ‘’superpower’’ To unleash our potential we need support, opportunities and inspiration to volunteer.”
Fizzy McNally, 19, East Sussex Health Care NHS Trust.
Read the full post here: What it’s like to be a young hospital volunteer during Covid-19
The blogs have been published by IVAR, the learning partner for the Pears #iwill Fund NHS Volunteering programme, who have also shared wider learning from the NHS Trust Young Volunteers Peer Network, including new resources on how to involve young volunteers in the context of Covid-19. All resources are available here.
More blogs are available through the #iwill Campaign, who are also highlighting the contribution young people are making to support the NHS and their communities on #PowerOfYouth Day:
“During this crisis, pre-COVID networks established by volunteers have proved invaluable in supporting the community, especially in deprived areas. In the heart of all communities, young people have been taking part in social action by responding to the NHS’s call for volunteer responders, aiding the vulnerable by delivering food and medication, fundraising, or undertaking key worker roles.”
Nakkita Charag, NHS Cadets Advisory Group – Youth Co-Chair
Read the full post here: How youth volunteering transforms young people and healthcare