Swansea Bay celebrates National Volunteers' Week 2026

Volunteers across Swansea Bay have been given a well-deserved cuppa to say thank you for all that they do.

The move comes as the country marks National Volunteers Week designed to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers across all walks of life.

Within the health board, hundreds of volunteers freely give up their time to offer support in roles across our wards, at our welcome desks, serving at tea, and act as peer mentors in various services.

They do not replace paid staff but provide an invaluable service in improving the experience of patients and their families, and supporting our staff teams.

Katie Taylor, Volunteer Services Manager, said: “Our team of volunteers are extremely dedicated, turning up week in week out, without fail.

“There are many volunteers who have been with us for many years, as well as those who join us for shorter periods, often then going on to work within health and social care.

“I feel we are extremely lucky to have the added skills, experience and knowledge that volunteers bring with them into their roles. They complement our paid workforce, and really do put the icing and the cherry on the cake when it comes to patient experience.”

Swansea Bay’s Director of Nursing and Executive Lead for Volunteering, Elizabeth Rix, added: “The compassion and commitment shown by our volunteers is inspiring.

“I would like to say a huge thank-you to them all on behalf of myself and everyone at the health board. Their volunteering is hugely valued, no matter what role they undertake.”

As part of the week, Swansea Bay’s Volunteer Service held a series of coffee mornings, giving the volunteers chance to get together socially over a cuppa and cake, as a way of thanking them for their tireless dedication.

Former nurse, Pat Wornhan, aged 80, has been volunteering on the front desk in Singleton Hospital for 10 years.

She said: “I had to do something in life. I did not like doing nothing. I saw the opportunity and thought, ‘This looks good. I’ll do this.’ And I’ve been there ever since.

“My advice to others would be, ‘try it’. You don’t know until you try something.”

Pat said her colleagues in the voluntary service make it all the more worthwhile.

She added: “I lost my husband two years ago, and the girls on the front desk saw me through it. They were awesome.”

Carol Pillinger, aged 78, volunteers at Ty Olwen in the grounds of Morriston Hospital.

She said: “I volunteer there on a Saturday and a Sunday because the reception’s not open on a weekend. I check people who visit in and make sure it’s okay to bring them onto the ward.

“I also make tea and coffee and sell sandwiches and sweets. People will also come out and have a chat. It’s lovely. It’s really nice.”

Carol made the decision to volunteer after retiring from being a carer due to ill health.

“I was bored," she said. "I like talking to people, finding out their interests and things like that. So, I knocked on Ty Olwen’s door one day.”

Now she heartily encourages others to step up to the plate and volunteer.

She said: “I would tell people considering talking up a volunteering role to just do it. Why sit at home? Why sit in a corner?

“You can do one hour, two hours, and chat to people. People come in and think Ty Olwen is the end. It’s not. You get medication change, people come in for respite, people come in and go home. It’s not the end. It’s lovely.”

Gail Rogers has been volunteering as a mentor in the brain injury department for four years.

She said: “Four-and-a-half years ago I had an accident which resulted in a brain injury.

“I then had an appointment to see Dr Zoe Fletcher at the brain injury department – I really didn’t want to go. I took some convincing. I went anyway and an hour later I felt as though a light had been switched on for me again.

“Zoe helped me. She explained why I was feeling the way I was. I didn’t know who I was really. What was the point of me? I didn’t understand. There were lots of dark days and dark nights.

“I met other consultants and as things improved personally they asked me if I would like to be a mentor. I said, ‘Yes, of course.’.

“I felt I had been so lucky in my recovery. They taught me things that such as why I was feeling a certain way.

“I love volunteering, I really do. It’s an honour. When people come in I can related to them. I understand where they are because I’ve been there. They can see that I’ve come through the other end. And I hope that it gives them hope. If I can help one person, then my job is done.”

Anne Price, aged 76, is no stranger to Morriston Hospital, having worked there for more than 30 years as a nurse.

She said:  “I was a nurse in the old outpatients department in Morriston Hospital for 32 years. I started when my children were old enough to go to school.

“I’ve always loved it there. I feel as though it’s my happy place, and my second home.

“I was retired for two years but because I’ve always liked being with people and helping people, I heard about the volunteers and thought, ‘I’d really enjoy that.’.

“I now help with reception desk on Thursday and Friday mornings, and cover the bloods on Tuesdays if someone is off.

"The other volunteers, who are all friends now, are lovely. I really enjoy working with everybody. We all get on very well. They are all such a happy crowd.”

Anne is also keen to encourage others to volunteer.

She said: “If you ever feel that you can help someone, and you feel at a loss, when I retired, for instance, what was I going to do? I’m not the type of person to sit at home. I feel I need to be doing something. If anyone is thinking about volunteering, definitely give it a go.”

Andrea John, a welcome desk volunteer at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, was among those at the event at Remo's on Aberavon seafront.

“A huge thank you to you as our Volunteer Managers for organising it," she said.

"It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet other volunteers, both those carrying out similar roles and those supporting patients and staff in different ways across our local hospitals.

"Events like this help us better understand the wide range of volunteering activities taking place and the positive impact volunteers make every day.

"It was also great to catch up with one another, share experiences, discuss some of the challenges we face, and reflect on how rewarding volunteering can be.

"We also talked about how volunteering gives many people a focus for the day, a real sense of purpose, and a feel-good factor that comes from helping others.

"It is incredibly rewarding and makes a positive difference not only to those we support, but also to the volunteers themselves.

"The conversations, support, and sense of community were truly appreciated. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

"Volunteers don't necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."

Obehi Courage Ogiku