The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Making a difference
One of the largest volunteering organisations in British history, Royal Voluntary Service, marks its milestone 80th birthday this year.
Royal Voluntary Service, originally founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions, was formed by Stella Reading to help recruit women to assist civilians during and after air raids and help evacuate children. Since then, the charity has evolved to tackle some of the biggest social challenges of the day.
The charity’s volunteers have supported Dundee in times of need since the Second World War – from providing knitted gloves and scarves for servicemen in wartime to distributing food to people in need.
In Dundee today, Royal Voluntary Service delivers a Supporting Your Recovery Service at Ninewells Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Bluebell Intermediate Care Unit in which trained volunteers provide onward support to help older people return home stronger and more quickly after a hospital stay. They also run a Home from Hospital service where volunteers provide practical and social support within clients’ homes following discharge from hospital. Volunteers also run an on-ward trolley service for cancer patients at Ninewells Hospital.
Today, 20,000 Royal Voluntary Service volunteers nationwide support thousands of people each month in hospitals and in the community. From running dance clubs and cooking at lunch clubs to serving tea in a hospital cafe or popping in to see an older person just home from hospital, these volunteers do simple things which make a big difference.
As it enters its 80th year, Royal Voluntary Service is pledging to increase support in the NHS, recognising the vital role volunteers play in improving patients’ experience and supporting staff. condition requires antibiotics – for example, they don’t kill viruses. “Don’t insist on antibiotics if your vet doesn’t think they’re needed,” she says.
“Healthy pets are more likely to be able to fight off infections. Keep your pet at the correct weight by feeding them an ideal diet for their age and lifestyle.
“Don’t share medications between animals or re-use something prescribed on a previous occasion. At best, these medications might not work for your pet, and at worst they could harm your pet and promote antibiotic resistance.
“Give your pet the medicine at the correct dose and finish the full course. If your pet seems better after a short time, you should still continue the treatment as directed by your vet.”