RVS puts out plea for more hospital ward volunteers

The Royal Voluntary Service at Stirling’s Bellfield Centre is looking for more volunteers.

The RVS has been providing on ward services in Stirling for the past six years and transferred to the Bellfield Centre when it opened in December last year.

Service manager Martin Kenny said: “Since December 2018 we have been working with the staff in the Wallace Suite, particularly Sister De Voy, to make the service as person centred as possible. In August 2019 we were asked to extend the service in the Wallace Suite to the three other suites in the Bellfield Centre.

“This is currently progressing well with volunteers in the Wallace Suite mentoring new volunteers for other suites to make sure the standards are maintained across the centre.

“We currently provide volunteers in the Wallace Suite on six days per week. The only day not covered at present is a Monday and we are working to correct this.

“There are usually a minimum of three volunteers per day in the suite and they see every patient every day. Cover is usually for about four hours per day but this can vary.”

Martin added:“We are looking to increase the number of volunteers for the on ward service.

“Social interaction and mental stimulation is a crucial part of recovery and life which is why we’re so passionate about ensuring everyone has the option of being supported by volunteers or becoming a volunteer.”

As a volunteer in a hospital ward, you can help in a number of ways: leading chair-based interactive exercise sessions using music, balls and games; keeping minds active by reading, chatting and playing games; preparing patients for going home; supporting and encouraging patients to eat and drink well; providing companionship outside visiting hours.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Martin on 01786 450718 or 07341 867148.