HELLO magazine: Volunteering for the NHS
Every week I write a column for Hello Magazine, and am on a mission to cut through the noise and find out what really works, in order to help you become the happiest, healthy version of yourself. I set out to explore everything and anything I can to increase happiness, and promise not to hold back.
Living in a world that’s constantly pushing and pulling us to achieve more, do more or earn more – can be overwhelming to say the least. One thing we can all agree we want more of, and let’s be honest, need, is happiness. The quest to be happy can feel both all-consuming and never-ending, and often we don’t know where to start to reach those desired dopamine levels or feel energised by joy.
There’s a lot of noise out there in the wellness industry, with an abundance of treatments, therapies and professionals on offer – all promising to boost our general wellbeing and in turn make us happier. But what really works? How do you know where to start? This week I wrote about my experiencing volunteering for the NHS.
How volunteering for the NHS changed my outlook on life
If there was one positive to be taken from the global pandemic, for me, it was forming a sense of community whilst learning the value of human connection. There was a sense of comradery formed in local communities, we learnt the names of our neighbours and there was safety in knowing that we were all in it together. Having spent a large part of the first lockdown volunteering organising the production and distribution of face shields – for the first time in my life I felt like I had a true purpose. It feels good to do good, and this was never truer than in 2020.
As a coach, when I’m met with a client feeling lost or lacking purpose, I always recommend that they do something ‘good’ for others – whether that be volunteering, cooking dinner for a neighbour or writing a thoughtful note for someone who might need it. It’s the simplest way to shift your mindset and gain a new perspective on your situation. Altruism boosts your feel-good factor and can help you to feel gratitude on a deeper level – something we could all do with more of!
I spent six months volunteering for the NHS as a Family Liaison officer in the trauma department at UCLH. Here’s what I learnt:
What was the volunteering role?
As a Family Liasion Officer, my role was to provide non-clinical care and support to patients. I was based in the trauma unit, and would spend my days sat chatting to patients, reading books and organising visits with families and loved ones. The job was varied, incredibly busy and no two days were the same. It was the smallest things that would have the biggest impact, and often the most rewarding part of the role was running down to grab a patient’s favourite sandwich from Pret or finding them a phone charger. I would do one or two shifts a week, and sometimes cover the weekends if the ward was in need. The impact these hours had on me was remarkable, and would always leave me with a renewed sense of gratitude for my own health and appreciation for life.
What did I learn about myself?
As well as a daily reminder to be grateful for all I have (my health included), I learnt a lot about myself and the type of person I’d like to be during my time spent as a volunteer. It’s not everyday that we’re confronted with death and terminal illness, and so it felt like an enormous privilege to spend time providing comfort and kindness to those during their final days. During these conversations, patients would often share their happiest memories – most of which consisted of an appreciation for the smallest things in life, which we can often take for granted in our modern busy lives. They spoke about people they had met, loved and shared life with. There was never a mention of longing for more money, bigger houses or faster cars. These experiences forced me to shift my perspective on what was truly important to me, and what sort of life I would like to look back on, when the time comes. At the end of the day, our friendships and chosen family are all that really matters. I want to live a life full of joy and freedom, spending quality time with the people I love. As cliché as it sounds, being in the trauma ward was an instant reminder to live everyday as your last, as we really never know what life might throw at us.
How did it help me?
Volunteering gave me the opportunity to focus on something bigger than myself, which in turn shifted my perspective on life. It’s so incredibly easy to get wrapped up in day-to-day worries and feeling overwhelmed with all the things we think we need to do. I was shown how incredibly powerful a small act of kindness can be. I learnt that as humans we can communicate compassion through our body language and a warm smile. We all have choices, and previously for me choosing to focus on my own health would occasionally have slipped down my priority list.
I’m so grateful that I had this experience, and I hope to never forget the lessons learnt. There are so many different ways you volunteer, from picking up a shift at your local foodbank to reading to kids after school. If you’re not able to donate your time, why not sign up to give blood or grow your hair long enough to cut-off for charity
You will never forget time spent as a volunteer, and it will teach you more about yourself than you thought possible.
Find out more about the NHS volunteer roles here