A Day in the Life: Aysesu’s inspiring volunteer journey with the VtC Programme

With HTT, my mornings started by checking in with the team before heading out to meet patients. Some days, I would accompany them on walks, go shopping together, or simply sit and chat. It wasn’t just about talking and it was about making sure they felt heard. Many were not only struggling with their mental health but also facing challenges like housing or loneliness. I learned that even small interactions could have a big impact on someone’s day.

On the wards at St Charles, my days were much more dynamic. I’d greet patients in the morning, encourage them to join activities, and support staff with non-clinical tasks. I loved being part of creative sessions like board games or art therapy. One of my most memorable moments was a make-up session with a patient which is something completely different from my usual role. She was so happy to chat about beauty and self-care, and I realised how powerful these moments of normality were for patients.

Now, in CMH, my role is different again. I work on the Friends and Family Test (FFT) survey, gathering patient feedback on their experiences. I help patients, especially elderly individuals, fill out forms, and through these conversations, I’ve seen first-hand how different groups experience care. It has given me a deeper appreciation for the NHS’s commitment to patient voices and how small changes can make services even more accessible.

Through volunteering, I’ve learned that mental health care is about trust, patience, and meeting people where they are.

With HTT, I saw how important building trust is as many patients were in crisis, and even a simple walk or conversation made a difference in helping them feel safe and supported. I also learned that care should always be person-centred and what works for one person may not work for another.

On the wards at St Charles, I learned the importance of teamwork, structure, and communication. At first, I would sometimes feel unsure when a patient reacted negatively toward me. But over time, I realised these responses weren’t personal as they reflected their own struggles. That helped me develop emotional resilience and a deeper sense of empathy.

In CMH, I’ve seen how crucial social inclusion and long-term support are. Working on patient feedback surveys has taught me that small barriers, like struggling to fill out a form can stop people from accessing the care they need. Seeing staff work hard to bridge these gaps has been inspiring, and it’s made me even more passionate about making healthcare as inclusive as possible.

The VtC programme is life-changing for me. Volunteering gave me the confidence, experience, and skills I needed to step into my Bank HCA role. Before this, I had no experience working in UK mental health services. Through VtC, I got to observe professionals, learn NHS procedures, and understand how different teams operate. By the time I applied for my HCA role, I already felt prepared.

One of the biggest ways VtC supported me was through guidance from Ania. She helped me with my personal statement, career planning, and gave me the encouragement I needed. Thanks to her mentorship, I feel confident about my future and know I’m on the right path toward a career in clinical psychology.

One of the most memorable moments happened during my first outing with a patient on the Home Treatment Team. We went for a 40 minute walk, and she started opening up about her life, her struggles, her future plans, and things she hadn’t shared with others. As I listened and asked open-ended questions, I could see how much she just needed someone to hear her.

At the end of the walk, she turned to me and said, “Thank you so much. Your support really helped me today.” It was such a simple moment, but it made me realise just how important these small acts of kindness are. She later told me that the walk helped her recognise how much fresh air and movement made her feel better, and she wanted to keep doing it. That day, I truly felt the impact of being present for someone.

Even after starting my Bank HCA role, I still volunteer because I genuinely love it.  Before coming to the UK, mental health wasn’t openly discussed in my home country, so this experience has opened my eyes to the importance of support at every stage, whether in crisis, inpatient care, or in the community.

One of the biggest reasons I keep going is the people. The staff have been so welcoming and inclusive, and I’ve built amazing connections with patients and colleagues. The VtC programme has given me so much, and I want to stay connected because I know I can keep learning, growing, and making a difference.