Meet one of our young volunteers

Ali is one of our Young Volunteers in Patient Experience, and an aspiring medic who is gaining valuable experience volunteering at Peterborough City Hospital.

Ali said: “I am very proud to be part of the NHS, being part of such a community of dedicated individuals who centre the care and wellbeing of others is an incredible environment to volunteer in and be a part of, hence why I chose to be a volunteer. Working as a mealtime companion, I assist in maintaining nutrition and hydration in patients, tea and coffee rounds as well as aiding with mealtimes, encouraging patients to eat and drink independently. Observing the difference that my role makes to patients and ward staff is truly rewarding.

“The exposure gained from such a patient facing role is incredible, meeting new patients daily who all have their own story about their journeys and having patients compliment the work you do makes it very rewarding and motivational. As an aspiring medic, such a volunteering programme has aided my application in many ways. This role has highly boosted my communication and interpersonal skills and developed my skillset in patient care whilst giving me that familiarity with medicine and the ward structure.”