Volunteering Discovery is a new weekly podcast, launching on 4th June 2024. The podcast series will explore the world of health and care volunteering in Norfolk and Waveney.
We want to banish the stereotype that health and care volunteering only means making cups of tea for patients on a ward. We know that’s an important role, but there are so many other activities which make a difference that many people might not know about.
In the first season of this weekly podcast, we’ll start our exploration into volunteering which supports people’s health and care in our hospitals, our communities and our homes. We’ll be meeting volunteers and staff within NHS and voluntary sector organisations, some with established volunteer teams numbering in the hundreds, to recently formed organisations centred around peer support.
Volunteering isn’t a one size fits all activity. By talking to volunteers and the staff who work alongside them, we’ll be finding out what it’s really like to give your time to help others. Volunteers will share their stories of how they got started and what keeps them coming back.
If you have ever been interested in how local people make a difference in their spare time, or what support is available in Norfolk and Waveney, this is the show 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.