'I always leave feeling positive about the difference I've made'

Volunteers make a huge impact every day in our hospitals, offering extra support to NHS staff and helping them provide outstanding care for every patient.

But volunteering can also make a real difference to those who give their time, offering the chance to develop practical skills, gain valuable experience and form new friendships.

Thanks to your fantastic support, we're continuing to grow our volunteering programme - providing more opportunities for people who are passionate about the NHS to help our hospitals.

And over the last six months, we've been able to offer volunteer roles to young people aged 16 to 21 as part of our Youth Volunteering Programme.

Over the last six months, dozens of young people have given their time to take up volunteer roles in our hospitals, with over 150 more stepping forward to lend a hand this summer.

"Volunteering has been an incredible experience for me," one of our youth volunteers told us.

"It's taught me empathy and kindness, and allowed me to speak and work with amazing people.

"Every shift I learn something new and I always leave the hospital feeling positive about the difference I've made."

Many of our youth volunteers take part in the programme to give back to their local community, while others who may be interested in a career in healthcare get involved to gain practical experience in a hospital environment.

Feeling inspired? You can find out more about our latest volunteering opportunities on our website. Visit: imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer

Pitch perfect: Fulham Big Band on song at Charing Cross Hospital

We'd like to say a very special thank you to the Fulham Big Band, who delivered a pitch perfect performance to entertain patients and visitors at Charing Cross Hospital.

The popular local jazz band, who had been performing at the hospital for years before Covid-19, returned for their first post-pandemic performance in April.

We were thrilled to see the band in full swing once again as they reeled off a series of toe-tapping tunes for NHS staff, patients and visitors passing through.

Over the course of the two-hour performance, which we hope will be the first of many more to come, over £80 was raised - with all proceeds from the concert helping us provide extra support at Charing Cross. A huge thank you to all the musicians of the Fulham Big Band for their ongoing support, and to everyone who kindly made a donation during the concert.