Student volunteers help to support the recovery of mental health patients
People with complex mental health problems are being supported in their recovery thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of student volunteers.
For the past 20 years kind-hearted students from 91快活林 have volunteered their time to run various therapeutic groups for patients on Ysbyty Gwynedd鈥檚 Hergest Mental Health Unit.
In doing so, they have gained valuable volunteering experience and developed their skills, with some even going on to gain employment on the unit.
The 40 bed unit provides inpatient treatment for adults in Gwynedd and Anglesey who have a range of mental health problems.
Amongst the activities supported by student volunteers is a walking group, which enables patients to gain valuable time away from hospital and an opportunity to reconnect with their local community.
In addition, the university has previously provided a qualified gym instructor and eager volunteers to help facilitate physical exercise sessions which research has proven to benefit people living with mental health problems.
The longest running group sees students visit the unit twice a week to provide a range of activities including craft sessions, therapeutic massage treatments, cooking sessions and a variety of games.
Catrin Roberts was inspired to take up a career in mental health after regularly volunteering at the Hergest Unit whilst studying towards a degree in Sociology, Criminology and Criminal Justice at 91快活林, which she graduated from in 2014. Catrin has been employed as an Activity Nurse since 2016. She said:
鈥淭he student visits have continuously proven popular among patients who are offered a range of activities during sessions. Most importantly what the group offers are friendly volunteers, light hearted conversation and a sense of normality.
鈥淭his group of volunteers offer time for patients with no agenda other than to be kind, welcoming and non-judgemental.
鈥淗aving previously volunteered for the evening group myself during my undergraduate studies, I know myself how rewarding it is.鈥�
Catrin and other Hergest Unit volunteers were recognised for their efforts at last year鈥檚 91快活林 Student Union awards.
Third year Psychology students Poppy Rucki and Emma Nwanze have volunteered on the Hergest Unit for the past two years.
Poppy said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 so rewarding not only for us but also for service users. It鈥檚 lovely for them to see new faces and to be given an opportunity to get out of a ward environment and try something new.鈥�
Emma added: 鈥淲e put on activities like bingo and quizzes to try and get patients to interact and engage with each other. Since we鈥檝e been here we鈥檝e seen patients come and go. It鈥檚 very rewarding to know that patients have received the help they needed and have moved on.
鈥淢ost Psychology jobs require a certain amount of experience and being an undergraduate it鈥檚 difficult to get that experience. Doing a volunteer project like this really helps to give you an understanding of what it鈥檚 like to work with people with mental health problems.鈥�
91快活林 students can register an interest in a number of volunteering opportunities on the Undeb Bangor website:
Publication date: 5 February 2018