West Mid volunteer highly commended in national Helpforce awards

Salma Abdi, youth volunteer at West Middlesex University Hospital, was highly commended for Young Volunteer of the Year at the Helpforce Champions Awards 2019, which provides national recognition of fantastic contributions to volunteering in the NHS.

The awards, which took place in central London on 25 October, celebrate the exciting ways in which volunteers across the country are giving their time to benefit patients, staff, and communities.

Salma was highly commended for her outstanding contribution to supporting West Middlesex University Hospital. Salma has been an activity volunteer on our care of the elderly wards, has supported patients in clinical imaging and was part of a continued pilot project supporting women attending a gynaecology outpatient clinic.

By shining a light on the range of ways that volunteers are involved in the NHS, the Helpforce Champions Awards show that dedicated volunteers can contribute to a more compassionate care system for everyone.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of Helpforce, said: “It is fantastic to see so many brilliant examples of innovation, great practice, commitment and real passion for patient care and support for staff across the NHS in the UK. It is a privilege to hold these awards and celebrate volunteers across the UK.”

Katie Thomson, Youth Volunteer Manager, nominated Salma for the award: “I am delighted that Salma has been recognised for this award. She has been unfailingly kind towards all our patients and has shown great commitment to her own development within her volunteer role. As well as patients Salma supports new youth volunteers, mentoring them through their first few shifts”

The categories celebrated at the awards included:

• Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year
• Young Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Outstanding Staff Champion for Volunteers
• Volunteer Leader of the Year
• Partnership Working in Volunteering
• Innovation in Volunteering Award
• Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity in Volunteering

Helpforce is a national movement on a mission to improve the lives of NHS staff, patients and communities through the power of volunteering. It is working with hospitals and healthcare workers to help shape the future of volunteering in the NHS. Backed by leaders in the world of healthcare, it aims to make community-integrated healthcare the norm across the UK.