Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity not only to say thank you, but to recognise the extraordinary role volunteers play across Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford Health Charity.

Volunteers bring something uniquely valuable into healthcare settings. Alongside our skilled staff teams, they bring community connection, lived experience, compassion and time. Volunteers help create environments that feel more human, welcoming and connected.

Often, it’s the small moments that leave the biggest impression: a conversation, a shared activity, a friendly face, a calm presence or simply someone having the time to listen. These moments matter deeply to patients, carers, families and staff alike.

Volunteering also strengthens the connection between our services and the communities around them, bringing fresh perspectives, energy and experience into Oxford Health every day

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing stories from across our services that highlight the many different ways volunteers contribute. From arts and green spaces, to community projects, research, events, patient support and youth volunteering. Some of the roles may surprise people, and that is exactly what makes volunteering so special. There is no single “type” of volunteer, and no single way to make a difference.

As we look to the future, we want volunteering across Oxford Health to continue growing in a way that is inclusive, supportive and meaningful. We are working with community partners to explore supported volunteering pathways and create opportunities for people who may previously have felt volunteering was not accessible to them. This includes work with young people, community organisations, student placements and partners supporting people with disabilities, lived experience challenges or barriers to employment and opportunity.

At a recent fundraising walk for Oxford Health Charity, two supporters shared something that really stayed with me. They spoke about wanting to show other people with disabilities that “they can too” that they could take part, contribute and give back. That is the power of volunteering and community involvement. It creates confidence, connection, purpose and belonging.

We want every volunteer at Oxford Health to feel recognised, supported and genuinely part of the Trust community. Because they are. And through the work of the Trust and Charity together, we want to continue creating volunteering experiences that are rewarding not only for the people we support, but for the volunteers themselves.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities across Oxford Health, explore the stories being shared during Volunteers’ Week, or learn how you can get involved we will be sharing more on our website.

Please follow us on socials - 

Oxford Health Charity | Facebook

Oxford Health Charity (@oxfordhealth_charity) • Instagram photos and videos

Oxford Health Charity 💙 | LinkedIn

Whether you can give an hour, a skill, a lived experience perspective or simply a willingness to help- there is a place for everyone within our volunteer community.

Volunteers week 2026 we are saying THANK YOU, shining a light on Volunteering and promoting how everyone can get involved. Whether that's to Volunteer your time, develop new roles in your team, service or generally learn more about Volunteering across the Trust and the wider NHS. 

To view current Volunteer opportunities please visit - 

Volunteering Opportunities | Oxford Health Volunteering