Heartbeat: The Mason family team up to provide voluntary support at the Trust

September 15, 2021

We have a strong team of over 100 volunteers here at SWB, but it’s not every day we hear of a whole family dedicated to supporting the Trust. Simon, Cheryl and Rachel Mason do just that. Father, mother and daughter trio have been active volunteers over the past year following Simon’s furlough and redundancy in 2020. We caught up with Simon to find out more.

Not one to sit around, Simon decided he wanted to ‘give back’ to the community by applying for a role as a Trust volunteer.

“Visiting was not allowed at the time but I was kept extremely busy transporting packages from friends and relatives to patients. Whilst it was extremely busy, it was very rewarding.

“My wife and daughter soon became interested in my voluntary work and they too wanted to join the team alongside work commitments. Cheryl had volunteered previously across a number of schools, and had enjoyed the experience; and my daughter Rachel decided to join the volunteer team in February 2021 – they were delighted to start their roles.

“As the needs of the NHS changes, our roles are more towards wayfinding and showing visitors to the relevant departments. I am now registered on the NHS staff bank and I’m notified when roles become available. My daughter Rachel is also looking to register at the staff bank. A few members of the PPE team have adopted her too! They know she is fond of drawing, and often very kindly bring notepads for her to use.

“The people we have worked with have been fantastic and I would highly recommend volunteering, in whatever capacity, as it gives you a sense that you are doing something good for someone else. Even if it is just taking a package or a bag to a relative or helping someone find their way. It’s certainly brought our daughter Rachel out of her shell.”

Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager praised the Mason family for their support: “We are so thankful for our family of volunteers Simon, Cheryl and Rachel, we receive help on a regular basis from the Mason family and the support we gain in serving both the community, and the Trust, is beyond measure, and priceless. Words are not enough to express or describe the humility of the Mason household as they consistently take part in events and ensure the volunteer service upholds great provision, and reputation.”