Our Volunteers are the lifeblood of Barts Guild and without them we wouldn’t be able to provide daily and long term support to the staff, patients and relatives at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

From serving in the Guild Shop and taking the trolley around the wards, to working behind the scenes undertaking administrative and creative roles, our Volunteers ensure that the Guild is able to make a significant contribution to life at Barts for the benefit of all.

Here, two Volunteers discuss their involvement in the Guild and why they enjoy being a member of the team.

Ros (pictured right) says: “I have volunteered for the Trolley Round for eight years. On my first day I was given very good advice by my Trolley partner who said: “Never let it become a chore”. I never have and although it is hard work I love it.

“There is something very special about the Guild – a great culture of care for the patients and for each other. Many of my fellow volunteers have been with the Guild for many years. The camaraderie and teamwork that we share is wonderful and we all get joy from serving others. This kind of volunteering is very satisfying. We hope that the patients enjoy our visits to their wards as much as we do.”

Steve (pictured left) says: “I have been a volunteer since 2008 serving in the Guild Shop and the Trolley service to the wards.

“I was working in the Shop one Saturday and the Trolley volunteer couldn’t attend. I was asked to step in. I was a bit reluctant but I did the round and l am so glad that I did. It is so rewarding and I have carried on ever since. I still work in the Shop serving customers, covering volunteer leave and helping with other tasks too.

“Patients look forward to the Trolley coming to their ward. Sadly, many patients don’t have visitors and the chance to buy themselves a small treat and have a brief chat with the Guild volunteer gives them real pleasure.

“It is great to know that Barts patients, visitors and staff really appreciate the Guild’s services. Customers often thanked me for a job well done when I was working as a heating engineer. That was great but not a patch on volunteering because when customers tell me how much the Trolley means to them I feel 20 feet tall.”