Posted on: 17 October 2025
Every big story starts with a small step and for Imge, one of our Liaison Psychiatry volunteers at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, that step began with a buddy.
Through the volunteer to career (VtC) programme, she was paired with another volunteer to walk those first few steps beside her, helping her settle into the busy world of A&E (accident and emergency). Bit by bit, shift by shift, she’s found her feet and her confidence in a place where no two days are ever the same.
Here’s how her buddy journey unfolded…
As part of the VtC programme, what was it like being buddied with another liaison psychiatry volunteer for a shift?
“Being buddied with another volunteer was a great way to ease into the role. It gave me the chance to observe someone who was already confident in the setting, and it made me feel supported while I was still finding my feet. I appreciated being able to check in with them throughout the shift, which helped me build confidence more quickly.”
Can you share a moment when you were “buddying with the team” (e.g., OT, nurse, HCA, doctor) and what that teamwork felt like?
“One moment that stands out was when I was with a patient who became very distressed during an assessment. I stayed alongside them and offered calm reassurance, while the nurse and doctor continued their work. It felt like everyone had a role, and mine, though small, really mattered in helping the patient feel safe. That sense of being part of a joined-up effort was very meaningful and showed me the value of teamwork in this environment.”
How did being included by the staff make you feel part of the team and the service?
“From the start, staff were welcoming and made me feel like a valued member of the team rather than just a volunteer. They explained their roles, included me in conversations, and asked for my observations when appropriate. This sense of inclusion not only gave me confidence but also helped me see how volunteers really contribute to the patient experience and the wider service.”
What started as buddy support grew into teamwork, inclusion and a true sense of belonging.
For more information about the VtC programme, get in touch with Ania Adams, Volunteer to Career Lead, at cnwl.vtc@nhs.net
