Volunteer profiles

Sarah Neustedd

"During my three years as a volunteer I have gained a huge amount of confidence and now realise that I have a great deal of potential. New opportunities have arisen including bank work and I have recently starting a counselling course at a local college.

"I really enjoy the friendly environment; everyone has made me feel really welcome and part of the team. It also gives me a real sense of helping in the community."

Olive Curwood, Volunteer visitor

After spending some time in hospital herself, Olive has always been aware of how valuable visits can be to patients. After initial training, Olive was selected to become a volunteer visitor on a weekly basis. She has now been with the team for an amazing 12 years. When asked about her work, Olive said: "I enjoy meeting and talking to people. I build up a rapport with patients and staff, so many welcome some4one to listen to them and share their concerns and stories"

David Williams, student volunteer

"I am volunteering at Epsom Hospital to gain experience about interacting and caring for patients. I want to study medicine at university and felt it would be a good to learn about hospital life and the roles of different people and departments. It has been a great introduction to hospital life."