Say hello to our wonderful Calderdale Royal Hospital Meet and Greet Volunteer, Joan Lockwood. The role of a Meet and Greet Volunteer is to support patients, visitors, carers, and staff when entering CHFT premises, by being friendly, approachable and professional in providing support and directions on how to navigate through the hospital to get to the desired location.
Let's take a moment to get to know our Joan:
Q: How long have you volunteered for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust?
A: I've been volunteering for 12 years now and thoroughly enjoy each and every single shift.
Q: What made you want to volunteer at CHFT?
A: I wanted to try something new and keep myself active, which is important to me. It seemed a logical decision volunteering for my local hospital and giving something back, as I've received treatment here myself, helping others makes me happy!
Q: What do you get out of volunteering?
A: Far more than what I put in. I enjoy my Monday morning shifts and seeing the receptionist's, making friends with staff and seeing the smiles on people's faces, it's great.
Q:Why do you think the role of a Meet and Greet volunteer is important and what's the benefit to our patients and staff?
A: It can be really scary coming into hospital, whether you're with someone or alone; I feel this volunteer role helps patients to feel relaxed. safe and secure at a really vulnerable time for them. Knowing I've got people to where they need to be and relieving that stress and anxiety provides me with the work gratification I need. People often find me on their way out and take the time to stop and thank me.
Q: Would you recommend volunteering at CHFT?
A: I do, all the time! I always tell people to give it a try as I know they will enjoy it and meet lots of lovely people. At times, some people can be difficult, but you just need to take a step back and think, they may be in pain or expecting difficult news or masking anxieties. I always place pieces of paper behind my ID badge with volunteering services details for when people ask how to join.
Q: Do you have a volunteer moto?
A: If I haven't made people laugh or at least smile before I get them to where they are going, then I haven't done my job right.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I really enjoy walking and being active. On occasions, I will catch the bus to locations and walk back, taking in the views and being in the moment! I enjoy spending time with my friends with a glass of something.
We are really grateful for Joan's dedication to volunteering at CHFT. As we say, a gift of time, is a gift in kind and 12 years is a mighty gift - thank you Joan!
