My name is Tracey-Lee and I have been working for the NHS since 1985. Over the years, I’ve had many different roles as a specialist practitioner in both adult and child mental health nursing, a lecturer, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner.
Since retiring, I have continued to work part-time as a lead nurse in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services and Child Forensic Services (CAMHS and FCAMHS), whilst also working with the Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales and Canopi as a Wellbeing Ally.
Volunteering with Canopi has been such a worthwhile experience. Here are five reasons why you should give it a go today:
Contribute to the NHS and social care in a different way
When I retired in 2020, it was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was already aware of the rising concerns around the wellbeing of our nurses and other staff working across the NHS and social care. It was an anxious time for everyone, and I wanted to offer continued support to my colleagues.
It can be beneficial for your own wellbeing
Having retired at the beginning of a lockdown, it was also beneficial for my own wellbeing to make use of the free time that I had. I didn’t think that I would still be here volunteering as a Wellbeing Ally four years down the line – but here I am!
Provide a safe space for colleagues to talk away from the workplace
It has been a privilege to volunteer in this role and I have met some wonderful people along the way who have shared their concerns and worries with me. It’s so important to have support to talk things through in a safe place and this is not always possible in the workplace.
I feel very passionate about the NHS, social care services and all those that work within them. I am very glad to be able to offer time and a listening ear to my colleagues.
Feel like you are making a difference to others’ lives
I would not hesitate to recommend volunteering for Canopi if you have the time and experience to offer. It is so worthwhile to support our staff in health and social care that do a fantastic job and go above and beyond every day. I am very grateful to be a small part of that.
Work flexibly to fit around your other commitments
Our Wellbeing Allies typically volunteer a minimum of one-hour per week. Whether you’re retired and working part-time like Tracey-Lee, or working or full-time: you can volunteer at a time which suits you!
Thanks to Tracey-Lee for sharing her experiences with us.
Find out more about the roles on offer at Canopi and work with us today.