A successful partnership between Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS) is helping local people gain confidence, rebuild routines and make a meaningful difference through volunteering.
Hayley’s journey demonstrates how partnership working between community organisations, employment support services and the NHS can create positive opportunities for residents while strengthening local health services.
After attending Dudley Talking Therapies (DTT), Hayley was introduced to Dudley CVS through Integrated Plus and supported by Grace at Dudley Volunteer Centre. At the same time, she was receiving support from Workwell to help rebuild her confidence following the death of her husband.
Having previously worked for the NHS for 16 years within Critical Care at Russells Hall Hospital, Hayley wanted to take positive steps forward but did not feel ready to return to paid employment. Instead, she looked for an opportunity that would allow her to rebuild confidence, reconnect with a workplace environment and move at a pace that felt right for her.
Hayley said: “I wanted to do something but didn’t want to commit to a paid job because my confidence had really changed. Through volunteering I felt I had more control and less pressure.”
Working closely with Hayley, Dudley CVS took a person-centred approach to understand her interests, experience and aspirations before identifying volunteering opportunities that suited her goals. When several local opportunities were shared, the Dudley Talking Therapies volunteer admin role immediately stood out because of Hayley’s personal experience of using the service and her passion for mental health.
Hayley said: “Dudley Talking Therapies really stood out to me because I’ve used the service many times throughout my life and I have a strong interest in mental health. I was thrilled when I got an interview because there were so many applicants. I strongly believed I was suited for the role.”
Grace Kelley, Volunteering Development Officer at Dudley CVS, said: “We take a person-centred approach with every resident who comes to us looking for volunteering opportunities. By working closely with partners like Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, we can connect people with meaningful opportunities that match their skills, aspirations and confidence levels. Hayley’s journey is a fantastic example of how volunteering can support wellbeing, rebuild confidence and create positive pathways forward.”
Now volunteering within the Dudley Talking Therapies admin team, Hayley supports the service through preparing patient letters, scanning documents and supporting communication with GP practices. She says volunteering has helped her reconnect with being part of a team in a supportive and welcoming environment.
“I enjoy being part of a team again. The staff are so nice and welcoming. I feel relaxed and really interested in learning more about what the counsellors do,” Hayley added.
Ruby Jarvis, Volunteers Coordinator at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Hayley has been a fantastic addition to our Dudley Talking Therapies Admin team. She brings enthusiasm, compassion and valuable administration experience alongside her lived experience. Volunteers like Hayley make a real difference to our services, supporting staff, improving patient experience and strengthening our connection with the local community.”
The partnership between Dudley CVS and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is helping create accessible pathways into volunteering, employment and community engagement, supporting the wider ambitions of the NHS Volunteering for Health programme to widen access to volunteering opportunities and create more inclusive routes into health and care careers.
Reflecting on her experience, Hayley hopes others will consider volunteering as a first step towards rebuilding confidence and supporting their community. She added: “Volunteering is a great way to help out, not only for others but for yourself. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
To find out more about volunteering at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation email