North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) is proud to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of its more than 440 active volunteers, as part of National Volunteers’ Week 2025.
From the warm welcomes offered by our Move Makers at the front doors of the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital, to the calming melodies from our volunteer musicians in the building’s Atrium, and the compassionate care provided by our Purple Butterfly volunteers supporting those at the end of life, our volunteers are integral to the experience we offer patients, carers, and visitors every day.
This year, we are excited to unveil a new Volunteer Photo Exhibition at Gate 36 in the hospital, which tells the stories of more than 40 of our volunteers through beautiful photography. The exhibition was created by Polly Hardwicke and Ffion Rosa Williams, talented photography students from the University of the West of England who kindly volunteered their time and creativity to deliver this project. The exhibition will be on display until 25 August 2025.
“Our volunteers are the heart of our hospitals. Their generosity, empathy, and enthusiasm bring comfort and connection to our patients and staff every day. And Volunteers Week is a moment to say thank you – and to shine a light on the diverse and inspiring individuals who give their time to support us. We’re particularly proud to launch our new Volunteer Photo Exhibition this week, which beautifully captures the stories, smiles, and spirit of our volunteers” shared Bwalya Treasure, Volunteer Services Manager at NBT.
A Week of Celebration and Recognition
Throughout Volunteers’ Week, the Trust will be hosting a variety of activities, including Volunteer Thank You stalls in the Atrium by the Piano (Monday to Friday, 10:00- 16:00), with goodie bags for volunteers, information stands to learn more about volunteering, and special appearances by the League of Friends Southmead, Southmead Hospital Charity, Equans and The Hospital Company. Also donations from local businesses including Marks & Spencer, The Beehive (local pub and restaurant) and Inscripture (memorial jewellery) and Pieminister (restaurant) for our volunteer's raffle prize draw.
The Impact of Our Volunteers
NBT’s volunteers contribute in countless ways. Just a few highlights from the past year include:
- More than 40,000 patients have been supported by Move Makers in the Atrium buggy.
- £1.8 million in equipment and service funding provided to the hospital by League of Friends Southmead to date.
- 687 hours of live music performed by volunteer musicians across 2024–25.
- 635 hand-crafted items made by volunteer knitters and crafters, including 260 twiddle muffs, 85 teddies, and 142 lap blankets.
Volunteering has also been a transformative experience for many individuals. Jackie Sterling, a Ward Support Volunteer on Percy Phillips Ward, shared:
“The experience has been amazing. The staff have been very welcoming… I enjoy the little things I can do to help them. The highlight of my shift is interacting with the patients when I visit them with the tea trolley.”
To every NBT volunteer past, present, and future - thank you. Your dedication, kindness, and time make a meaningful difference to our hospital community.
Our Volunteers Photoshoot Exhibition can be viewed digitally on our website.