Keeping up with Dr Tom – The Supervisor championing volunteers in psychiatry

He’s the Consultant Psychiatrist with the Liaison Psychiatry team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and he’s been opening his doors (and heart!) to four volunteers through the volunteer to career programme which is part of the volunteer service. 

In our keeping up series, Dr Tom shares what it’s really like having volunteers on the team, why he loves supervising them and why he believes VtC matters so much for the NHS.

What has it been like having volunteers join your team - how do you see them making a difference day-to-day?

“It’s been so nice, and they’ve brought so much bubbly energy. They’re really motivated and so keen to spend time with different team members. They’ll go to the wards and A&E (accident and emergency), get involved, ask questions with patients and staff are always there for them. They’ve been very friendly and really added something to the team. Hearing their stories, finding out where they’ve come from and learning about their different backgrounds from all around the world has been such a surprising and positive experience. I’ve been very happy and proud to host them. It’s clear that volunteering not only benefits the team but also gives them a strong foundation to build towards careers in the NHS.”

What do you enjoy most about supervising volunteers?

“For me, the thing I enjoy most is hearing their stories, especially about where they’ve come from and their different backgrounds from all over the world. It’s that mix of unexpected insights and fresh perspectives they bring into our day-to-day work that I find so rewarding. I like meeting new people and as our team has been hiring new staff, having volunteers adds a new perspective, with new points of view and fresh information for us. For example, one lovely volunteer noticed something during their time with the team and suggested a different way of asking questions that could make patients feel more at ease. She even went on to deliver a short presentation for staff, which really helped us all reflect and learn together. It just shows the endless possibilities. It’s a world of opportunity, like their oyster and such a unique way to build skills. I thought it would be a great initiative for us and it’s brought so much motivation, enthusiasm and team spirit. It’s really added to the environment here.”

Why do you personally think the Volunteer to Career programme matters for the NHS?

“I think it’s really important and it’s incredibly valuable for recruitment, helping to drive it forward. For people who are interested in community work, mental health, rehabilitation and different areas of the Trust, it gives them that first foot on the ladder. It can lead to career opportunities and it also helps people alongside their studies. Some might come back to CNWL later, while others may move on into other healthcare careers and both journeys are equally valuable, as they carry their learning and compassion with them. It’s also fantastic for community engagement, as it’s open to so many people. Volunteers then share their stories with their families and friends, helping to break down barriers and taboos around mental health. That’s such a big benefit to CNWL.

It also helps broaden our own experience and horizons as staff, reminding us not to talk only in jargon but to see things through fresh eyes and perspectives. It resets our mentality and reminds us of the good we do, especially in hospitals, supporting people with both physical and mental health needs. VtC is such a brilliant initiative because it gives volunteers confidence, skills and a clear route into NHS careers, while at the same time giving staff the chance to learn from them too. VtC is such a brilliant initiative as it doesn’t feel like an “extra” at all, it feels like a two-way strength. It’s also a clever way of “growing our own” so supporting people from all walks of life to build their careers within CNWL. It’s so good that you do this and I hope VtC volunteers will be able to go across the Trust in future, even linking in with different community and social health services. It’s a wonderful way of strengthening care and helping people to grow.”

And here’s the important reminder (worth saying right up front): VtC doesn’t guarantee you a job. But it does guarantee you support. Proper, tailored, cheer-you-on, walk-with-you-all-the-way support.