West Berkshire Community Hospital hosts a garden party to celebrate its volunteers

West Berkshire Community Hospital hosted a garden party to celebrate the dedication of its volunteers, writes Bethany Sirianni.

The event took place on Tuesday, July 22, in the beautiful therapy garden, providing the perfect setting to recognise the invaluable support of the invitees.

The hospital’s volunteers contribute in a variety of ways.

The Listening Team offers both religious and non-religious spiritual care.

The Sunday Service Team assists patients during the weekly service alongside the hospital chaplain.

Social volunteers visit patients on the wards, bringing companionship and comfort and the gardening team maintains the hospital’s therapy gardens and its Tiny Forest.

The hospital also benefits from the support of community groups, local churches, the Women’s Institute and the Hospital League of Friends.

Christine Stockwell, wellbeing therapist at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try, kicked the event off with speeches.

In attendance were special guests the mayor of Thatcham Petra Pemberton, Newbury deputy mayor Sarah Slack, and Hungerford mayor Helen Simpson

Guests also enjoyed the company of the hospital’s much-loved therapy dogs who regularly put a smile on patients’ faces.