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A LEIGH volunteer, who has been helping to feed hospital patients for the last 10 years, is now passing on his skills and experience on to the next generation.
A LEIGH volunteer, who has been helping to feed hospital patients for the last 10 years, is now passing on his skills and experience on to the next generation.
A LEIGH volunteer, who has been helping to feed hospital patients for the last 10 years, is now passing on his skills and experience on to the next generation.
Peter Thorn’s voluntary work, as a Feeding Buddy at Southend Hospital, sees him encourage vulnerable and elderly patients to eat at mealtimes.
He said: “Being a Feeding Buddy gives me a lot of personal pride that I am helping someone keep their strength up, so it is essential they get food and drink when they can’t feed themselves. When I can, I also really enjoy my chats with patients, sometimes they do get emotional, but it is all about sparking memories. I love this role.
“Everyone has a story to tell, and as a Feeding Buddy I’ve been lucky enough to meet people who have been everything from a butler for someone famous to a tiller girl dancer, so you always meet some unexpected people.”
Mr Thorn is currently training up Michelle Davis to be a Feeding Buddy, she’d already spent 18 years as a carer for her late mum, Jean, who was well cared for by Southend Hospital, and now her daughter wanted to give something back.
Ms Davis, 47 from Canvey, said: “I’ve been training since February and it gives me a real buzz that I am helping others, it has really helped give me some confidence speaking to and helping people.”
Ms Davis is also hoping to use this experience to help her future career, as she aims to become a Healthcare Assistant (HCA).
She said: “Being a Feeding Buddy is helping give me a real insight into how a hospital ward works, and some experience of being on a ward, all of which will hopefully help me become an HCA.”
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking new volunteer Feeding Buddies to help – whether it be for a few hours, a day or several days a week – across Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Basildon Hospital and Southend Hospital.
If you’re interested in finding out more about being a Feeding Buddy, please email
[email protected].
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