“WHY not come join our little family and share the care?”

Those are the rallying words from the League of Friends based at the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton, which is looking to add to its team of volunteers whose aim is to make patients’ stays happier.

“Without our volunteers we just wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” explains chairperson, Irene Davenport, 69. “Their dedication to their roles allows us to rely on them – we know we can count on them to be here every day, come rain or shine.

“But we desperately need more men and women, of all ages, to come and join us.”

Irene has been volunteering with the League of Friends for more than 14 years now, and although she says it can be hard work at times, she believes that the sense of self-worth and usefulness that people gain from giving up their time to help others makes it all worthwhile.

“We provide a friendly face when people need it most and we all get a great satisfaction from knowing how much of a difference we can make,” she says. “It is very rewarding.”

Secretary, Anne Llewellyn, agrees. “I love volunteering here,” says the 66-year-old. “I started when I retired six years ago and have never looked back.

"It gets me out of the house for a few hours a day and also has a very social side to it. It’s not all hard work.”

The group meet regularly outside their volunteering duties, from skittles evenings and day trips in the summer to picnics and barbecues.

And for Jean Mellor, who joined the League of Friends two years ago when she moved to Southampton, it was part of the attraction.

“I was new to the area and wanted to volunteer for the social aspect,” she says. “It has been an amazing experience for me and I have made lots of new friends because of it. I would recommend it to anyone.”

The League of Friends is looking for people to help out in all areas, including the coffee shop and trolley service, which serves staff and patients throughout the hospital. The hours are flexible and all profits raised go towards providing specialist medical equipment, toiletries for patients on the wards and much more.

“Everyone involved gives up their time for free,” continues Irene. “And most people who join us stay for many years as they find they enjoy it so much.”

Jean Mallett, 84, is one such volunteer. She first joined the League 30 years ago and is still enjoying her time with them. She loves to knit and make things so enjoys adding to their much needed funds by selling her wares.

“I really love making things, and it stops me from sitting in the house and sleeping all the time,” she laughs. “It really does keep me busy, which I love.”

Irene adds: “People are more than welcome to come along and see what we do, and as long as they have a few hours a week to spare – I am sure we can find them something to do that will suit them and allow them to make a difference.”

  • To find out more about volunteering for the League of Friends, please call Irene on 023 8082 5685.