Hospital Trust becomes approved activity provider for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Young people can now volunteer at Shropshire’s two acute hospitals as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has become an Approved Activity Provider for the volunteering section of the DofE Award, offering volunteering opportunities for 14-24 year-olds who are working towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE.
Volunteers aged 14-16 years-old will be able to help with fundraising and preparations for events for the Trust’s charity, SaTH Charity, based at William Farr House in Shrewsbury.
Volunteers who are aged 16-18 years-old, in addition to the opportunities for under 16s, can also undertake meet and greet, companionship, and ward support roles. Volunteers aged over 18 years-old can become a volunteer driver or drive the patient transport buggy, as well as take on x-ray and A&E support roles.
To do their DofE, young people choose activities in four sections: improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition. Along the way they have fun, grow in resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and learn practical skills to help them in future – while working towards a highly respected award.
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation at SaTH which runs Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said: “We are absolutely delighted to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and we are incredibly proud to be recognised as an approved activity provider.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to support the young people in our communities who are working towards this brilliant award by enabling them to give something back through volunteering.
“They will be part of our amazing team of volunteers who make such a positive difference for our patients, staff and visitors every single day in so many ways. This includes providing companionship to our patients, driving patients home when they have been discharged and helping us to fundraise through our charity.”
If you would like more information about volunteering at the Trust, please contact sath.volunteers@nhs.net.
