Volunteering Discovery explores the impact of health and care volunteering across Norfolk and Waveney.
We aim to challenge the stereotype that volunteering in health and care is just about making cups of tea on a ward. While that’s an important role, there are countless other ways volunteers make a difference—often in ways people don’t expect.
In the first season, we take you inside hospitals, communities, and homes to discover how volunteering supports health and wellbeing. You’ll hear from volunteers and staff in NHS and voluntary sector organisations—some with large, established teams and others from newer groups focused on peer support.
Volunteering isn’t one-size-fits-all. Through real stories, we uncover what it’s like to give your time, how people get started, and what keeps them coming back.
As the series continues, later episodes will connect these stories to Volunteering for Health, highlighting opportunities for local people to get involved and make a difference.
If you’ve ever wondered how volunteering shapes health and care in Norfolk and Waveney, this is the podcast for you.
The RSS link to subscribe to the podcast is https://feeds.captivate.fm/volunteering-discovery/
Podcast Trailer
Episode 1 – An introduction
Did you know? Volunteering in health and care goes beyond just giving back. It’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining invaluable experience. To celebrate all that volunteers do we are launching our new weekly podcast, ‘Volunteering Discovery’. In our first episode we explore various roles and their massive impact across Norfolk and Waveney and meet Hospital Radio Norwich volunteer, Irenee.
Episode 2 – Scrabble in the emergency department
In this episode, we explore the vital role of volunteers in supporting mental health in the Emergency Department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Episode 3 – When weeding makes a difference
Join us in celebrating the dedication of volunteers like Julia, who are transforming lives one garden at a time East Anglian Children’s Hospice! Tune in to hear how a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference.
Episode 4 – Culture Therapy
Discover first-hand accounts of how volunteering can transform lives with Restoration Trust. Meet Kerry and Adrian as they share their journey to well-being through culture therapy and community connections.
Episode 5 – Uno and afternoon tea
Tune in to this episode of Volunteering Discovery and hear from Abby and Su of About with Friends. Learn how volunteers play a crucial role in supporting people with learning disabilities. This is more than just volunteering—it’s about making a real difference.
Episode 6 – Movement matters
This episode features heart-warming stories from Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust’s Community Neuro Exercise Team. Learn why volunteers like Stephen are so valuable.
Episode 7 – Listening to save a life
‘Our job is to listen to people, and by listening and talking with them, we try to help them through whatever crisis they have.’ – Michael, Samaritan Volunteer. Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Samaritan? Our latest podcast episode goes behind the scenes with volunteers who provide critical support to those in need.
Episode 8 – Companions in the clinic
Meet Denise, a retired nurse finding new purpose as a volunteer at the Leg Ulcer Clinic. Hear her inspiring journey and learn how you can get involved too.
Episode 9 – More than money matters
From fraud prevention to offering a listening ear, Age UK Norfolk volunteers like Matthew achieve extraordinary feats. Listen to their stories and discover the profound impact volunteers can make!
Episode 10 – Digging, growing, healing
Green fingers aren’t needed to get involved with the Family Action ESCAPE project. Tune in to find out why volunteering at their community allotment grows much more than just tasty produce.
Episode 11 – Not just a trustee
A desire to communicate health related information led local GP Andrew to volunteer with Healthwatch Norfolk. Find out why his activities leave him with ‘warmth and a glow’.
Episode 12 – Small steps, side by side
Explore how Homestart Norfolk volunteers transform lives by providing crucial support to families. Listen to volunteer Sarah’s personal story of why she loves making a difference to local families.
Episode 13 – Laughter and learning
Two volunteers, Ben preparing for his career, and Terry who discovered volunteering later in life. Two inspiring stories of making a difference in the most sensitive moments at Priscilla Bacon Lodge with Norfolk Community Health and Care.
Episode 14 – The power of small gestures
Explore the rewarding world of volunteering at Priscilla Bacon Lodge with Norfolk Community Health and Care through Katy and Bob’s stories. Hear why creative spirit and chaplaincy volunteers are so valued.
Episode 15 – Creating community
Have you ever felt alone in your health journey? Hear how Barbara’s own experience of searching for connection after a rare diagnosis inspired her to found Young Tongues and create a community for tongue cancer patients.
Episode 16 – Unexpected pathways
Like life or a satnav, volunteering can sometimes take you to unexpected places. Hear how volunteering at Centre81 led to surprising and positive changes for members of the team.
Bonus episode: Volunteer to Career
Volunteer to Career is an exciting, enhanced volunteering programme with Norfolk and Waveney NHS Integrated Care Board which supports people to take their first steps into a health and care career. Learn all about the opportunity and support available.
Episode 17 – Overcoming obstacles
In response to feedback from patients and visitors, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in King’s Lynn set up a buggy service to support people to access the hospital more easily. Hear why buggy volunteers like Adrian love offering more than just transport.
Episode 18 – Drawing connections
Norfolk County Council’s Libraries are a vital part of our communities with volunteers facilitating many fantastic activities. Listen to find out how Drop in and Draw sessions support community connections whilst getting creative.
Episode 19 – Volunteer to Career in General Practice
This episode shares first-hand experiences of the Volunteer to Career pathway from both a volunteer and a practice manager. It highlights how the programme supports development and offers value to individuals and GP practices alike.
Episode 20 – Volunteering for Health
An introduction to the national Volunteering for Health programme and the work underway locally in Norfolk and Waveney. Contributors outline the programme’s aims, priorities and the ambition behind this collaborative initiative.
Episode 21 – Get Involved Innovation Fund
This episode explains how the Innovation Fund supports organisations to test new approaches to involving volunteers. Listeners hear what funding and guidance are available and what support applicants can expect.
Episode 22 – Get Involved Skills
An overview of Get InVOLved Skills, a new online learning platform for volunteers and voluntary sector staff. The episode explores the accessible training and development opportunities it provides across Norfolk and Waveney.
Episode 23 – Evaluating Volunteering for Health Part 1
Dr Jurgen Grotz discusses how the impact of volunteering in health and care is measured. The episode outlines why evaluation matters, how success is defined, and the principles that guide a robust, respectful approach.
Episode 24 – Evaluating Volunteering for Health Part 2
This episode explores how evaluation supports improvement, sustainability and evidence-based volunteering practice. Contributors share insights on data, collaboration and storytelling as tools for demonstrating impact and shaping services.
Episode 25 – Volunteering without barriers
This episode explores how James Paget University Hospital creates accessible volunteering opportunities, with insights from Volunteer Coordinator John Gilligan on tailored roles and flexible support. It also features volunteers Casey and Adam, who share their experiences, challenges, and the positive impact volunteering has on patients, staff, and their own development.