International Volunteer Day 2024 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is celebrating International Volunteer Day and highlighting the amazing work of volunteers from overseas across its services.

Nothuba Ngwenya began volunteering in 2022 and has helped in various roles including being a welcome guide, spiritual care volunteer, and most recently as a rehabilitation volunteer.

Rehabilitation volunteers work closely with Allied Health Professionals by helping patients work towards their goals; supporting patients to practise doing things that will help them to be more independent when they return home.

Speaking about becoming a volunteer, Nothuba said: “I wanted to volunteer with NHSGGC because I deeply value the vital role it plays in our community. As someone with a healthcare background, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards the wellbeing of others while at the same time meeting new people and developing new skills.”

From Zimbabwe, Nothuba trained at Aberdeen University as a Physician Associate. This gave her opportunities to do clinical rotations as a student which enhanced her understanding of working within the NHS’s multidisciplinary team.

She added: “What I enjoy most about being a volunteer is the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. In my current role, I primarily focus on ward visits and support the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) team.

“These roles allow me to connect with patients one-to-one, engaging in recommended activities that contribute positively to their healing process and offering a listening ear.

“Sometimes, I meet patients who do not have family nearby to visit them. Simply spending time with them and offering conversation helps create a welcoming environment, reassuring them that they are not alone. I have learned that small actions like these can have a significant impact on someone’s health and well-being.”

Fiona Smith, Director of Allied Health Professionals and NHSGGC’s strategic lead for volunteering, said: “It’s important to celebrate our international volunteers who do so much to enhance patient and staff experience in NHSGGC.

“Volunteers from different backgrounds and cultures allow us to support patients and staff better and be more representative of our local communities.”

“International volunteers like Nothuba add so much value to a patient, family member or staff’s experience in NHSGGC, each bringing their own unique skills and experiences; like spending time chatting with patients who have no visitors, encouraging them to undertake rehabilitation activity, helping visitors navigate the hospital, or supporting staff taking a well-earned break in one of the Rest and Relaxation Hubs.

“Volunteers help our services run smoothly and allow health care professionals to prioritise providing the best healthcare for patients.”

Speaking about her favourite experience while volunteering with NHSGGC, Nothuba said: “Seeing a ‘smile’ and gratitude on someone’s face after assisting or talking to them, even in moments of pain or challenging circumstances. These experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the great impact volunteering can have. They highlight how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful and lasting difference.”

Catherine Buick, Speech and Language Therapist with the SLT team, said: “Nothuba has been volunteering with the SLT team at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital since July 2023. She has been a fantastic asset to our service, supporting both patients and staff. She brings joy and warmth to patients. On International Volunteer Day, I’d like to thank Nothuba and all the international volunteers who support NHSGGC.”

Find out more about NHSGGC volunteering at Volunteering – NHSGGC.