I’m awed by your kindness

I’VE been bowled over by readers’ wonderful response to the Mail’s Hospital Helpforce campaign to boost volunteering in the NHS.

This week, I wrote about how, as an 18-year-old, I volunteered at my local hospital and it changed my life — and many of you have contacted me to say you are signing up. I know you will find it as rewarding as I did.

But, of course, it’s really about the patients. A survey by the Royal Voluntary Service reports that almost seven out of ten older people who are visited regularly at home by a volunteer say they felt emotionally and physically healthier as a result and better able to cope.

This is good news for hospitals, too, especially in winter, as it will lead to fewer ‘social admissions’ — elderly people who aren’t sick, but who suddenly find they can’t manage at home. It means there’s less pressure on beds, so everyone benefits.