“It’s lovely to be able to talk to people and get to know the staff.”

Jayne Chorley has two volunteering roles with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – in its Fundraising Hub and its Emergency Department.

“They are two completely different environments,” said mother-of-two Jayne. “But I thoroughly enjoy both, for different reasons.

“In ED, it is a really busy place and it’s good to know that as well as helping patients, volunteers are also helping staff. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the teams and feel I am making a difference.”

Jayne, who is a retired Assistant Headteacher, also volunteers for the Fundraising Team at the Trust which supports Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.

“I have helped sort through donated items and also run a stall outside the Fundraising Hub selling knitted items and it has been lovely to talk to people and share their good news,” she said. “People have stopped to buy items because they’ve had a new baby in the family and they want to share that happiness with you.

“I took early retirement and although I have hobbies volunteering is important to me because I feel I can use my skills in a different way to help others. I am so pleased that I took on this role and would encourage others to do the same because it is rewarding.”

Feel inspired by Jayne’s story? We are appealing for more volunteers to join our Fundraising Team.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “We’d love more people to come forward to support the charity – either through helping out in our Fundraising Hub or in other ways.

“We’re a small, but friendly, welcoming team and volunteers will feel a real sense of satisfaction if they join us.”

For an informal chat about volunteering opportunities please contact the Voluntary Services Team on 01922 656689. To submit an application please use this link https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/work-with-us/volunteering/