Helpforce Champions 2023 Finalist - Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
2nd October 2023
Nominated for Celebrating Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Volunteering (ED&I Award) 2023
Video entry
In 2022 the volunteer team at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) developed three pathways for volunteers to have the opportunity to become involved, including an Enhanced Support Pathway. This pathway is for volunteers who have special educational needs and or disabilities, who would benefit from a bespoke plan to support them in their volunteering.
Volunteers on this pathway receive a bespoke plan to support them during their volunteering journey which can include support with the application process, for example filling out an application form with the volunteer applicant in person, or over the phone. This pathway facilitates a tailored induction and training as well as additional support in their volunteer placement.
Since launching the pathway, they have received a number of applications from volunteers with a variety of special educational needs and or disabilities. They work closely with local specialist schools and care providers to promote volunteering opportunities and have received wonderful feedback from both volunteers, schools, care givers, staff support and family members of the volunteers.
The volunteer team are delighted to be able to share some of the feedback they have received regarding volunteers on this pathway.
“Thank you so much for you all do, she really values the support and encouragement your team gives her.”
Care Support Team Lead for a Volunteer on the Enhanced Support Pathway.
“I just want to say how fantastic this volunteer scheme is and to thank you and your team! She’s so proud of herself and it has come at a perfect time for her, as we are trying to occupy her with positive activities. She is currently under the safeguarding team as she’s very vulnerable and been subject to some not very pleasant activity on social media. So, this opportunity is seen as a key activity to moving her on …. And it’s one she identified herself which is fab! So, thank you so much! Thank you for all you are doing and all your hard work- it is really appreciated.”
Family member of a Volunteer on the Enhanced Support Pathway
The Enhanced Support Pathway enables the volunteer team to offer an inclusive volunteer service which can be accessed by everyone. It enables volunteers to gain valuable experience and transferable skills to help build confidence in a working environment. Through this pathway, the volunteers have gone on to gain employment using the experience and skills they have developed whilst volunteering at #teamHDFT.