VOLUNTEERS at Llandough hospital have shared their experiences as part of a health board campaign.

Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board's Volunteers' Week is encouraging volunteers to share their experiences during the event which actually lasts almost a fortnight this year, from June 1-12.

The 600 volunteers in Cardiff and the Vale have been invited to a special ‘thank you’ event on Friday, June 3 at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Five volunteers at University Hospital Llandough have explained why they volunteer and what they get out of it.

Cliff Barber volunteers at the stroke unit at University Hospital Llandough (UHL) as a befriender.

The former teacher had a stroke four years ago and since then he has been volunteering in the same unit he was admitted to.

He said: "One of the things I’m glad about, is that after my stroke I was able to talk which was fantastic.

"My face had dropped quite a bit but at least I was able to talk.

"Volunteering is a wonderful past time and it’s fun. I’m able to build up great relationships with the patients."

David Cox also volunteers at the stroke unit at the hospital.

The student speech and language therapist helps the staff with anything they need while he is on the ward.

He decided to volunteer because he wanted to give something back to the community and find a productive way to spend his free time

"This role will give me a valuable insight into an environment where I might eventually end up working one day.

"The best bit about volunteering has to be the diversity of the people you meet, and the opportunity to meet lots of people from all walks of life and really get to know them.

"Volunteering is a really rewarding experience and gives you the opportunity to gain some real life experience and meet lots of people you wouldn’t meet otherwise."

Janice Boland has been helping with meeting and greeting the patients at the hospital for about 18 months.

She has volunteered for around 40 years in various roles including with the local Citizen's Advice Bureau.

club, and I’m a trustee in the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

"Most of my time is taken up with volunteering, although I don’t regard it as volunteering; I regard it as enjoyment really.

"I hate not having something to do so I find volunteering fills my time really well.

"The patients like the volunteers as it gives them someone to talk to.

"f you volunteer to do something you enjoy doing, you are helping other people and you are helping yourself."

Jack Hawkins goes on ward visits at Llandough Hospitals to talk to patients and to check they are alright.

He also meets and greets patients and visitors to the hospital and directs them to where they need to be while also working in the information centre.

"I decided to volunteer because I wanted to give something back as my wife was in hospital and they looked after her really well, so I thought I may as well give something back,

"The best part of volunteering is the different types of people you see and meet.

"I think everyone should volunteer because it is a worthwhile cause. It is a really worthwhile job to do."

Yvonne Kirton also volunteers at the stroke unit at Llandough Hospital.

She helps with activities that happen on the ward and assists with lunch club every Wednesday.

She decided to volunteer because she is currently at university and her course tutor encouraged her to get involved in the community.

She said: "I’d encourage other people to sign up to volunteer as it is really rewarding.

"I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d never done it before, so I wasn’t sure how much hands on experience I’d need or what my position would be when I came into the hospital.

"Once you get into the role, you build relationships with the patients and staff and give something back to them. It’s nice to help and be there for the patients and staff."

For volunteering opportunities, contact Michelle Fowler the volunteer service manager on 029 2184 7867.