Volunteering Discovery

The Opening Doors Get Volunteering project, funded through the Get Involved Innovation Fund , shows how co‑produced, easy‑read resources can remove barriers and improve access to volunteering for people with learning disabilities. In this episode, we hear how Opening Doors created practical tools and training that will support more inclusive, confident and supported volunteering across Norfolk and...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery we explore how volunteering and Project Search create genuine career routes at James Paget University Hospital . Hear from pharmacy staff and volunteers Reece and Charlie, who share how inclusive support builds confidence, skills and long-term employment opportunities. This episode highlights best‑practice approaches that remove barriers and open doors for...

This episode of Volunteering Discovery explores how James Paget University Hospital creates inclusive volunteering opportunities. Volunteer Coordinator John Gilligan shares how the team supports people with learning disabilities through flexible training and tailored roles. We also hear from Casey and Adam , two volunteers who talk about why they got involved, the challenges they overcame, and the...

This is part 2 of our look at the evaluation of the Norfolk and Waveney Volunteering for Health programme. This episode explores how evaluation helps shape and sustain volunteering in health. Daniel Schaffer (Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board) and Sally Dyson (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) share insights on using data and collaboration to improve services,...

In this first part of our special on evaluating Volunteering for Health in Norfolk and Waveney, we meet Dr. Jurgen Grotz (Institute for Volunteering Research at the University of East Anglia) to discuss how we measure the impact of volunteering in health and care. We explore why evaluation matters, how to define success, and the importance of collaboration and respect for volunteers throughout the...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery , we explore Get InVOLved Skills —a new online platform designed to support volunteers and voluntary sector professionals across Norfolk and Waveney with high-quality, accessible training. Our guests are Laura Holland (Voluntary Norfolk) shares the inspiration behind the platform, its features, and how it’s helping organisations and individuals grow. Lynn...

The Get Involved Innovation Fund provides small financial awards and advice and guidance for organisations to test new approaches to involving volunteers. It is a core part of the Volunteering for Health programme in Norfolk and Waveney. In this episode we meet Cata Parrish at Voluntary Norfolk who tells us what the fund is and what to expect from the application process. And we meet Rik Martin at...

Volunteering for Health is an exciting national programme and Norfolk and Waveney are one of 15 partnerships involved. In this episode we meet Nicky Stainton at Voluntary Norfolk who tells us all about what is underway in Norfolk and Waveney. Then we hear from Samantha Hartles at NHS Charities Together who shares the background and ambitions for this fantastic initiative. To find out more about Vo...

As featured in previous episodes, Volunteer to Career is a fantastic enhanced volunteering experience. Volunteers have the chance to gain first hand experience in a health and care setting, receive career mentoring and make a difference at the same time. In this episode we hear first hand from two people what it was like to get involved with Volunteer to Career. Ginette took part as a volunteer, a...

In the final episode of season one of Volunteering Discovery we are getting creative and meeting the team who support people to Drop in and Draw with the Norfolk Library and Information Service . We hear why the sessions provide much more than a space for artistic endeavours. Volunteer Alison shares why her creative skills aren't the only ones she puts to good use in the group. And Katherine expla...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery we meet the buggy service team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn . Set up after receiving feedback, the buggy service volunteers make it easier to get from the car park to the hospital itself, taking away the difficulty of walking up one of the few hills in Norfolk. Volunteer Adrian explains why there is much more to the role than driving, and Jo...

Centre81 is a charity which enables adults with a disability to live full lives, never forgetting the need for 'fun.' We meet members of the team who found their connection and involvement with Centre81 taking unexpected turns. We'll hear from John who found himself working at Centre81 after a career in transport via volunteering with the team. Member John shares his journey from volunteer to memb...

Volunteer to Career is an enhanced volunteering programme which aims to support people interested in a health and care career to take their first steps. In this bonus episode, producer Jules speaks to Ben Chandler about Volunteer to Career. They discuss why the programme focuses on volunteering in primary care settings such as doctors surgeries and what a volunteer can expect from getting involved...

If you received a diagnosis of a rare illness, you might find yourself with many questions and the desire to speak to someone about what to expect. This was the case for Barbara Fountain, who after finding limited support for young people with tongue cancer, established a community of her own. This community has grown in to the global charity Young Tongues . In this episode we'll hear from Barbara...

This is the second of our two episodes meeting the team at Priscilla Bacon Lodge near Norwich. We recommend you listen to the previous episode of Volunteering Discovery, 'Laughter and Learning ' before tuning in to this one for background on the hospice. In this episode we hear from volunteers who give their time for very personal interactions with patients at the hospice. Bob shares his experienc...

Today we meet members of the team at Priscilla Bacon Lodge a hospice on the outskirts of Norwich. Terry shares the unlikely path he took to volunteering at Priscilla Bacon Lodge , and what has kept him equally as enthusiastic over 20 years. We also hear from Ben who started volunteering to support his desire for a career in medicine, and learnt how to get to grips with something that many young pe...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery , we meet the team at Homestart Norfolk . Parenting certainly doesn't come easy to everyone and Homestart Norfolk volunteers can make a huge impact, supporting parents to make small changes which make a lasting difference. Liz gives background to how Homestart came in to being, and what support and training is offered to volunteers to equip them for home v...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery we meet the team at Healthwatch Norfolk . Healthwatch Norfolk play a key role in gathering feedback on local health and care services which lead to real change and volunteers are a crucial part of this work. We hear from volunteer Andrew, a former GP about what led him to get involved in more ways than one and how even volunteering on a rainy day can be a...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery we meet members of the Family Action ESCAPE Project. We hear how getting involved at their community allotment offers the opportunity not only to learn about horticulture and take care of the plants, but also make connections in the community, encouraging personal growth and healing. To find out more about the ESCAPE project visit https://www.facebook.com/...

This episode of Volunteering Discovery takes a look behind the scenes of volunteering at Age UK Norfolk . Featuring insights from volunteers Matthew and Caron the episode explores the various services provided by Age UK Norfolk , including telephone befriending, Money Matters, and Power of Attorney roles. The episode explores the personal experiences and motivations of the volunteers, providing tr...

In this episode of Volunteering Discovery , we meet members of the team at the Leg Ulcer Clinic at East Coast Community Healthcare . The podcast features insights from Karen, a community staff nurse, Rosie, Volunteer Service Manager at Voluntary Norfolk , and Denise, a dedicated volunteer. They discuss the tasks volunteers perform, the skills required, the impact on patient care, and how volunteer...

This episode of Volunteering Discovery delves into the role of volunteers in health and social care, specifically focusing on the Samaritans in King's Lynn. Volunteers Michael and Bridget share insights on the recruitment process, training, and the emotional impact of volunteering, emphasizing the importance of empathy and listening skills. The episode also highlights support systems for volunteer...

In this episode, host Sarah introduces the Norfolk Community Health and Care Neuro Exercise Team to explore their support for individuals with neurological conditions. The team includes various specialists and volunteers such as Stephen, whose involvement creates a supportive environment for patients. The discussions highlight the benefits of community and volunteer support in motivating patients...

This episode of Volunteering Discovery takes listeners behind the scenes of volunteering in health and social care in Norfolk and Waveney, focusing on About With Friends , a charity supporting people with learning disabilities. We hear from dedicated volunteer Su about her volunteering journey and staff member Abby tells us why volunteers are so important to the charity. To discover more about the...

This episode explores the significant impact of volunteering in health and social care through the experiences of individuals involved with the Restoration Trust. It highlights how activities organised by the trust have positively influenced mental well-being and provided a sense of community and purpose for participants. Volunteer Adrian discusses his personal journey and how volunteering has not...