Thanking our Amazing Volunteers at our Volunteers Celebration Event

Monday 8th June 2026

On Friday 5th June 2026, the Patient Experience and Involvement team welcomed volunteers from across the Health Board to their Volunteers Celebration Event in recognition of the invaluable contribution they make to patients and staff every day.

Opening the event, Head of the Patient Experience and Involvement team, Tanya Strange, praised the dedication and compassion of our 300 volunteers, highlighting the thousands of hours they contribute each year.

“Today is about your compassion.” she said. “Whether you’re with someone for five minutes or five hours, your impact is immeasurable. You make people feel less alone and show them they are respected.”

She reflected on how volunteering has grown within the organisation, with 28 different volunteer roles now in place - compared to just two when the programme first began. From language support to digital assistance, volunteers now help patients, families and staff in a wide variety of ways.

“You’re not an extra to what we do - you are part of our team.” Said Tanya. “Today is about saying thank you for your time and compassion.”

Chief Executive, Nicola Prygodzicz, also expressed her thanks and appreciation to the volunteers, recognising the personalised support that volunteers provide.

“I’ve met so many volunteers over the years and I know the difference you make,” she said. “What you offer is recognised at the highest level of the organisation and we are very grateful.”

Throughout the event, volunteers and staff shared powerful stories that brought this impact to life, with many of them noting how their volunteering experience has changed their lives. Speakers showcased the wide variety of volunteering roles that are undertaken across the Health Board, from partnership working with Age Cymru Gwent and Monmouth Haberdashers School pupils, to blood bike volunteers, listening and befriending roles, and adverse weather drivers.

One of the newer volunteering roles across the Health Board is at the Cancer Cafés, which provide a safe and welcoming space for cancer patients to talk and support one another.

Frances is a cancer survivor and cancer café volunteer.

She said:

“It’s such a rewarding role - it’s my way of saying thank you to the staff who looked after me. People feel they can talk about whatever they want. I like to think they can see there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Patients, Gary and Deb, have experienced first-hand the impact of volunteers like Frances at the cancer cafés.

Gary, a bowel cancer survivor, said: “I wanted to show people there is life after cancer. We’ve learnt so much at the cafés and we all enjoy it so much.”

Deb, who lives with bone marrow cancer, said: “It’s so helpful - we can talk about anything and everything. I always feel better when I leave.”

Tribute was also paid to partner organisations and groups who support volunteering across the Health Board, including the League of Friends, Bridges Centre, Llanfrechfa Walled Garden, Blood Bikes Cymru, and Age Cymru Gwent. Their contributions continue to enhance patient experience and wellbeing.

Each of the volunteers were then presented with certificates by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, who echoed a message from King Charles, saying:

“Volunteering is the glue that holds society together. You are truly special - if it weren’t for you, the world would be a poorer place.”

Closing the event, Kathryn Thomas, Senior Programme Manager for the Patient Experience and Involvement team, said:

“Your care, compassion and commitment do not go unnoticed. The difference you make every day is seen, valued and deeply appreciated.”