Three teenagers have been hailed for spreading a little happiness on the wards of Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital this Volunteers Week.
Darcie Campbell, Orla McDougall and Mani Shahsavan are all still in high school but dedicate hours every week to supporting people at their most vulnerable time.
The trio, who all have aspirations to study medicine and dentistry, are amongst the youngest volunteers to lend their time to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) health board. Together, the 17-year-olds support staff, patients and visitors at the Paisley hospital.
They have been described as some of the “most inspiring young people” to walk through the hospital doors.
Darcie, from Barrhead, is currently an S6 pupil at Barrhead High School. She has just finished her Advanced Highers and is hoping to study dentistry.
She said: "The most rewarding part of volunteering is learning that you have made someone’s day and seeing a smile on someone’s face after you have spoken to them.
"Many of the patients are so grateful when you speak to them and they often tell you that, too! "
Since joining the RAH as a volunteer, Darcie has become best pals with Orla, from Houston, an S6 pupil at Gryffe High. The girls both volunteer on ward 7, the elderly care ward.
Orla's dream is to become a doctor, and she’s hoping her own Advanced Higher results will get her into the right course.
She said: "I started volunteering because I wanted to study medicine at university and was looking for ways I could get some experience as to what being on a hospital ward is like; and any stresses or difficulties about it. This role offered me that hospital experience before applying to study medicine at university."
Medicine is also the dream of Mani, from Glenburn, who goes to Gleniffer High.
He said: "The most rewarding part of the job for me is the emotional satisfaction it brings after each session. It fills you with a sense of fulfilment as you feel you have done something good and made someone’s day better."
Mani has just finished his Highers – and all three can’t wait to use the experience they’ve gained on the wards of the RAH as they progress into the next stage of their lives.
Harry Balch, volunteer service manager for NHSGGC’s Clyde sector, is delighted that three people so young are so willing to help others.
He said: “Orla, Mani and Darcie are three of the most inspiring young people I have met in my time working with the RAH.
“This year has been a particularly challenging one for them, with plenty of demands on their time, but they have been consistent, reliable and dedicated to the patients, families and staff they help, ensuring they fit in their volunteer role alongside their many other commitments. We are incredibly lucky to have them!”
Professor Angela Wallace, nurse director at NHSGGC, has overall responsibility for volunteering throughout NHSGGC.
She said: “Our volunteers play such an important role right across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I know the huge difference they make to the lives of patients, visitors and staff and, during Volunteers Week, I would like to thank every one of them for giving up their own time to help others.
“However, I can’t help but be especially impressed by Orla, Darcie and Mani. For people so young to do so much for others, should be an inspiration for us all.
“I would encourage anyone thinking of putting on a red T-shirt and volunteering with NHSGGC to listen to these young people and go for it. As Mani says, you never know all the new experiences waiting for you!”
To find out more about volunteering with NHSGGC, go to nhsggc.scot/staff-recruitment/volunteering while a minimum of six months commitment is needed for most roles.
Volunteers Week seeks to celebrate and thank the volunteers to making positive changes in their communities while also encouraging others to give volunteering a go.
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