We are a small independent voluntary group established to provide much needed support to patients.

Why?

There are many patients who rarely, if ever, receive visitors. This may be because they are living on their own or because there is no one living close enough to visit them.

Some patients may prefer not to have visitors, and we respect their wishes. For others, hospitals can be stressful, lonely places, and a visit is welcomed.

Doctors, nurses, chaplains and support staff do their best to make the patients' stay as comfortable as possible. However, their workload is high and their time at a premium.

This is where the hospital visitors group fits in.

Through out volunteers we can help relieve some of the loneliness. By sitting with patients and simply being a different face, we can offer the precious gift of time and give them something to look forward to.

One visit a week can make a huge difference to someone's stay in hospital.

What sort of things can we do?

The key word is

Communication

Sitting and talking over old times, and unlocking a wealth of experience and memories. Just being there to hold a hand can help people feel that they are not alone in the world.

We are looking for reliable people who have a little time to spare during the week.

We are looking for people of all age groups (minimum 16 years of age)

We welcome male and female volunteers as well as people from ethnic and cultural groups.

In short we need volunteers

Remember pleasure is reciprocal and you may be surprised at the pleasure you receive from you visits.

You do not need to be an experienced counsellor or someone with a medical background. These things can be left to the professionals.

You will not be expected to do anything you do not want to do.

Every volunteer would undergo a short induction programme to help clarify their role. They would never be left isolated without a line of support for themselves.

• Back to Chaplaincy Main Page

• Back to Walsall Churches Homepage