Volunteering
Volunteering at the friends
We rely on the extreme generosity of our wonderful volunteers – they are the lifeblood of our charity and we could not function without them. If you have a few hours to spare each week, or even each month, and would like to give some time to a good cause, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There is no minimum commitment and full training will be provided, even a small amount of help can make a big difference.
If you would like to become a volunteer or want to find out more about available opportunities, please get in touch via the contact us page using the form, email, or phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.
Calling all knitters!
We’re lucky to have a small, dedicated team of knitters who donate crocheted baby clothes and blankets to us. These hand knitted items, which are sold in the friends shop, are beautifully made and very popular. We, along with the patients and staff, can’t thank our volunteer craftspeople enough for the skill and care that goes into producing their high quality work.
If you would like to help by knitting or crocheting for the friends, please get in touch to find out more. We are happy to support with the cost of wool and postage.
What is volunteering at the friends like?
– Mairi, friends shop volunteer
“Following my retirement from the guy’s and st thomas’ NHS foundation trust, I was keen to maintain links with the hospitals. Becoming a volunteer for the friends charity provided the perfect opportunity.
I love meeting all the customers that come into the shop. they include patients, relatives, and staff, both old and new. There are many customers who come in either before or after their hospital appointments on a regular basis and are very happy to be supporting the friends charity. Members of staff come in to purchase guy’s and st thomas’ hospital memorabilia for colleagues who are leaving or retiring, or simply just for a chat during their breaks. I have met former members of staff from all over the world including canada, america, germany, switzerland, singapore, new zealand, australia and most recently, Japan. They all have such fond memories of GSTT.
The volunteers that manage and work in the shop are a friendly group of people. Previously they have either served in diverse areas of the trust, or are volunteers from the local community.
I consider volunteering to be a privilege and a joy, and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Fiona – friends shop volunteer
“I retired in 2021 after 32 years of NHS service and have worked at GSTT for over 20 years, firstly as a staff nurse, then a sister, and finally, a theatre matron.
I joined the friends of guy’s and st thomas’ in May 2022. Once retired, I felt that I needed something to channel my energy and, having worked in GSTT, decided that being a volunteer at The Friends was where I could best utilise my communication skills.
For me personally, I have found volunteering very rewarding. Engaging with the public, chatting to long stay patients, and meeting staff, both old and new. The friends shop is wellrun and organised thanks to our wonderful shop manager, Gill Moore. Our team of volunteers are very friendly, sociable, and supportive of each other which is very important.”
Fundraising
Book sales, mini-markets, raffles, auctions, and much more! Discover how you can take part in our fundraising events below.
What we do
We rely on the extreme generosity of our wonderful volunteers – they are the lifeblood of our charity and we could…
Become a friend
Anyone is welcome to become a friend for an annual minimum donation of just £10.00.