01/06/2026
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is celebrating National Volunteers’ Week along with thousands of organisations across the UK - acknowledging the amazing volunteers who make a difference to patients, staff and the community all year round.
Over the past year, 160 volunteers have contributed over 16,000 hours of their time across hospital and community settings throughout the region. Their commitment, compassion, and willingness to help others continues to have a positive and lasting impact on the people who use the services provided by our health and social care partnership, and on the staff who deliver those services.
National Volunteers’ Week is a time to celebrate and thank volunteers as valued members of NHS teams, as part of the wider NHS Dumfries and Galloway Volunteer Service, and for their own individual achievements and contributions.
Over the course of the week NHS Dumfries and Galloway will be shining a spotlight on all volunteers and featuring some individuals and their roles as an example of just how amazing our volunteers are, and the difference that they make.
Some of the organisation’s senior leadership team will be out and about at healthcare facilities across the region taking time to meet some of our volunteers and thank them personally for what they do.
Our volunteers will come together to celebrate over the course of the week, with events including a Quiz Night and other informal gatherings providing an opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy some well deserved time together out with their volunteering work.
Volunteers play vital roles within NHS Dumfries and Galloway, supporting services in both acute and community settings. Current and recent volunteer roles include Welcome Guides, Ward Support Volunteers, Macmillan Cancer Information Support, Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers, Health and Development Volunteers in local communities, and Gardening Volunteers at hospital sites. All volunteers undertake core training, with additional role specific training provided, reflecting the importance and responsibility of the roles they carry out.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway extends that thank you to volunteers from organisations and charities – such as The League of Friends, Marie Curie, DG Blood Bikes, Therapet and DG Carers Hub - who play an essential role in enhancing the experience of patients, staff, and visitors to its healthcare facilities, and in the community - whether through practical support, specialist care, companionship, fundraising, or the comfort brought by therapy animals. Their collaboration, commitment and generosity of spirit is highly valued and makes a difference every day.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Volunteer Service is once again actively welcoming new volunteers to all roles, with recruitment underway for a new group of Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers, Welcome Guides at Mountainhall Treatment Centre and Ward Support Volunteers at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
Jane Martin, Volunteer Coordinator at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “This is a very busy time for volunteering across NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and an incredibly exciting one too. We are rebuilding, growing and re energising our volunteer service, welcoming new volunteers into key roles while strengthening the support we offer to those already giving their time.
“Our NHS volunteers, and those from partner organisations and charities, play a vital part in supporting patients, staff and communities. It is a privilege to work alongside them as we shape the future of volunteering at NHS Dumfries and Galloway.”
Lorna Darrie, Director of Allied Health Professions at NHS Dumfries and Galloway and the organisation’s lead for its volunteer service, said: “It has been a special part of my role to take up lead for the volunteer service which is run by a small and incredibly dedicated team. Our volunteers help in practical ways, offer comfort, connection, and show compassion in ways that make a significant difference and leave a lasting impact on patients, staff, visitors to our healthcare facilities, and out in the community.
“It has long since been the motto that volunteering is at the heart of our NHS, and that does not seem to change. Even with increased pressures and demands on service delivery and provision, these remarkable people continue to take up volunteer roles year after year to help us.
“I am delighted that we are celebrating Volunteers’ Week, acknowledging and thanking the volunteers who make a difference to our NHS and across health and social care services. I am also delighted to know that our volunteers are gathering to celebrate their contribution and their achievements with events to mark the week. I wish them an enjoyable and relaxing time together.”
NHS Dumfries and Galloway's Charity proudly fund the NHS Dumfries and Galloway Volunteer Service, helping to strengthen the vital support volunteers provide across our health system.
These dedicated volunteers play an essential role in enhancing patient experience and supporting staff, and the Charity is proud to invest in their continued development and care.
Nick Mitchell, Charity Manager, said:
“Our volunteers are at the heart of compassionate care across NHS Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a privilege to continue supporting such an inspiring group of individuals who give so much to others.”
To find out more about registering to be a volunteer with NHS D&G email please make contact by email in the first instance. Email - [email protected].
