VOLUNTEERS who make a vital difference to health services across the county have been praised for their efforts.

More than 60 people were honoured for their hard work and acts of kindness at a special awards ceremony in Blandford.

Dorset HealthCare has more than 180 trust volunteers giving up their time to support staff and help transform lives across the county and a further 150 who volunteer for the League of Friends groups and many more who fundraise for their local community hospital.

Lead governor of the trust Chris Balfe, said: “It is so important to acknowledge the hard work of our volunteers. People give their time for nothing to help others and are invaluable to the community hospitals and services they serve.”

Volunteers help with a wide range of tasks, including recreational activities with patients such as reading and playing games. They also get involved in gardening, mealtime companionship and simply talking and listening to service users.

Dorset HealthCare provides a number of physical and mental health services. It runs 12 community hospitals, specialist community and in-patient mental health care, and learning disability services.

Sandy Preen, who volunteers in Blandford, said: “I take elderly patients for shopping trips around the town and it is fantastic to see the happiness it brings. The older generation can often become isolated, and something as simple as this really benefits them. Making friends along the way is just a bonus.”

Patricia Hayter is part of the League of Friends.

She said: “I have been volunteering for around 10 years now and I have loved every minute. It is great to feel part of a team and you quickly build strong bonds with staff and patients.

“I work in one of the hospital's kitchens helping out at our monthly coffee mornings and garden parties which help raise valuable funds for the hospital. Recently we were able to purchase a new vehicle for physiotherapists to use to visit people in their own homes.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the trust download an application form from www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk