Over the past six months, the programme has grown significantly. Four East Hampton service users now regularly volunteer in Bury charity shops, with many more showing keen interest in joining.
The volunteering initiative is shaped by the service user’s interests, values and performance capacity. Occupational Therapist Shaimaa Jaffer collaborates closely with the service users to identify areas they are passionate about to help them to make empowered choices.
How the Programme Works
To become a volunteer, service users complete an online application on the charity’s website or collect a paper copy at the store. Occupational Therapist Shaimaa Jaffer then prepares thorough risk assessments, personalised care plans, and detailed management plans with the Multidisciplinary team.
This collaborative approach with the full Multidisciplinary team ensures each volunteer receives appropriate support for their safety, wellbeing and active participation. All plans are reviewed with individual service users to build understanding, confidence and involvement in their own care journey.
Ongoing Support
Service users meet weekly with the Occupational Therapist to:
- Discuss their experiences
- Identify any challenges
- Celebrate successes
- Plan improvements
This regular check-in system allows for continuous progress tracking and ensures everyone stays focused on their personal goals.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering brings many positive changes to service users’ lives. It helps them:
- Build meaningful social connections
- Develop valuable personal and work skills
- Boost their self-worth and confidence
There are physical benefits too. Many volunteers enjoy more active lifestyles and maintain better independence in their daily activities. Having regular volunteering commitments also helps establish healthy, structured routines.
Supporting Different Age Groups
For older service users, volunteering effectively tackles loneliness and isolation. Many studies show that community involvement provides purpose that can fill the gap left by institutionalisation, supporting overall wellbeing and reconnection with society.
Younger service users discover different benefits. Volunteering helps them:
- Explore potential career paths
- Find a sense of belonging
- Learn practical new skills
- Build their identity and confidence
Many volunteers say they enjoy making new friendships and find real satisfaction in helping others.
Building Future Opportunities
Perhaps most importantly, volunteering develops transferable skills that look impressive on CVs, significantly improving employment prospects after discharge. Participants gain real-world experience and confidence that helps them successfully transition to work or education after leaving the hospital.
Looking Forward
One of the participant service users, who volunteers at Bury’s British Heart Foundation, says:
“Volunteering makes me happy as it gets off the ward and keeps my mental health stable… and will help me get ready to get into work when getting discharged into the community.”
Another service user, volunteering with Mencap, a charity that works with people with learning disabilities, shares:
“My Mencap leave is one of my favourite times of the week. I enjoy working there, and it is nice to be able to give back. I hope to get a reference that will help me after discharge. I like my job, and I know I am appreciated for it. I feel valued.”
Another service user, volunteering at A World, a non-profit that aims to support the autistic community and their families and carers, states:
“Volunteering helps me gain new skills for future job roles. It helps me build a routine on getting up and going to work on time. I enjoy doing the work and feel supported while I am there, and it helps build my confidence and communication skills. I want to thank my team, MDT and Occupational Therapist Shaimaa Jaffer in supporting me to do my volunteering job.”
The Vocational Pathway Programme at Cygnet Bury Hudson’s East Hampton ward is helping to create brighter futures for service users; futures built on purpose, empowerment and meaningful community engagement.