When Melanie Williams started volunteering on Leyland Ward at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital in January 2025, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
“Like most people, when you think of a hospital, you think of doctors and nurses,” she says. “I didn’t really think about volunteers having a role here - but they absolutely do.”
Melanie joined the Trust after looking for ways to gain work experience and explore future career opportunities in healthcare. Having previously worked in a school for two and a half years, she was keen to try something different and build experience in a new environment.
“I was looking for more opportunities and a bit of direction,” she explains. “There aren’t always many chances out there, especially when you’re trying to gain experience. Volunteering felt like a good way to do that, and it’s turned out to be really worthwhile.”
Healthcare is now firmly in Melanie’s sights as a future career: “That’s the goal,” she says. “I’m continuing with my studies at the moment and keeping my options open, but I’d love to work in healthcare. Volunteering has given me experience I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Her role on the ward is varied, practical and busy - helping with many of the day-to-day tasks that support both patients and staff: “I help with things like cleaning down equipment, making beds, sorting supplies, preparing packs and general ward organisation,” she says. “It’s all the jobs that help keep everything running smoothly.”
It’s work that can often happen behind the scenes, but Melanie knows how important it is: “You know you’re helping, and that makes a difference. Even doing the small things takes pressure off others and helps the ward.”
Melanie says the role has been hugely rewarding, not just for the experience she’s gained, but for the chance to be part of the team: “Everyone’s been really welcoming, and you feel useful. You feel like you’re contributing and helping people.”
Asked whether she’d recommend volunteering to others, Melanie doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely. Especially if you’re looking to build experience, learn new skills or thinking about a career in healthcare. It’s a really good starting point.”
For Melanie, volunteering has become much more than work experience, it’s become a stepping stone towards the future she wants: “It’s given me confidence, experience and a better idea of where I want to go next. If volunteering helps get me there, then it’s absolutely worth it.”
During Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers. Your time, kindness and commitment make a real difference every single day, helping make our hospitals welcoming, compassionate places for everyone who walks through our doors.
