FOR decades, the League of Friends at Victoria Central Health Centre have been providing a warm welcome to patients and visitors.

The volunteers who so generously donate their time provide tea, snacks and a cheery smile.

They are in search of new recruits, so Karen Howell, Chief Executive of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust, caught up with the Wallasey League's Secretary Gill Bunting to find out what volunteering at the tea bar is all about:

When did you start volunteering at the League of Friends?

Nearly 22 years ago! I had taken early retirement from the NHS when I was asked to help out.

Originally we provided tea and biscuits for people who had blood tests. But before long we were also helping out on the hospital wards, making beds and feeding patients.

What's a typical day at the tea bar?

Every day is different and that's one of the great things about it. We are open seven days a week but lots of our volunteers just come in for a few hours here and there.

We get to know lots of people as they may have regular appointments here, so a trip to the tea bar is part of their routine.

On a busy day we sell up to 50 mugs of tea. But we offer coffee, soft drinks, fruit and snacks too. And our toast is always very popular!

It's really rewarding to be able to build relationships with our regular visitors.

People often stop to talk to us - our listening services as just as important as our tea!

Why do you volunteer?

It's great to be able to give something back to my local community, but volunteering has really helped me too.

When I retired, it made me still feel part of the health community. I still had a purpose, still felt needed.

The tea bar helps me feel connected and was an enormous support when I lost my husband; it saved my life in a way.

Being here means I am still dealing with the public, maintaining my skills, making an important contribution to society. And I have made great friends over the years too.

The tea bar also raises lots of money for Wallasey patients too … We have raised over £100,000 over the last five years, which has enabled us to work with Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust to fund some amazing things that the NHS wouldn't normally provide; a portable echo machine for cardiology patients, exercise sessions for overweight children, handheld fans for palliative care patients, specialist communications equipment to help people who can’t speak and much more.

Our service isn’t just about serving drinks and snacks – the fundraising is equally as important.

Are you looking for more volunteers?

Yes!

We want to recruit at least ten more people to come and join us.

Even if you have only got a couple of hours a week to spare, that would be so valuable and make such a huge contribution.

Our volunteers are from all walks of life so it really doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is.

If you can spare a bit of time, we would love to hear from you.

And I promise – it’s as rewarding for you as it is for the people we serve.

Call 0151 514 6342 or email foryouwithyou@nhs.net for more information.