Heather Bell, Volunteer at at St George’s Park chapel

Heather Bell has volunteered at the chapel at St George’s Park for five years.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when they said it had been five years already. It’s a privilege to come here.”

As a chapel volunteer, Heather helps with the service giving out hymn sheets, chatting to and singing with patients.

“I sometimes ring round the wards and let people know when the service is about to begin. Patients can come in and leave whenever they want and they’re invited to have a cup of tea and chocolate biscuits after.

“We sing hymns everyone knows. They don’t have to be religious either, a few weeks ago one of the patients requested the Blaydon Races.”

Heather got into volunteering through her local church newsletter. “I go to St Robert’s Church in Morpeth and they advertised that St George’s Park was looking for volunteers and I thought I’d give it a try.”

Heather has a family connection to the site as her dad worked at the old St George’s hospital as foreman mason. “Coming back to Morpeth and St George’s Park felt natural because of my dad,” she said.

“He worked here for around 10 years and loved it. He was in charge of the buildings here and at Northgate and I remember him talking enthusiastically about it when I was younger.”

It’s a far cry from Heather’s corporate career; she used to organise conferences and exhibitions all over the world for political parties, medical companies and multi-national businesses.

“It looked glamourous from the outside but it definitely wasn’t,” Heather said.

“I worked in Canada and the US for many years as well as throughout the UK and finished my career in Manchester. When I retired, I moved back to the North East.

“I wanted to volunteer to get back to reality and forget about the financial side of the world.”

Heather knew from the moment she walked through the door at St George’s Park that she was going to enjoy volunteering. “I remember coming in and immediately felt a sense of calmness and peace,” she said. “I thought it was just what I needed after my hectic business life.

“I was interviewed by Wendy from Voluntary Services and was absolutely thrilled when she confirmed the position.”

For Heather, volunteering gives her a sense of purpose. “There’s a sense of belonging. I’m not married and don’t have any children, so it’s like a family here. Everyone was hugely welcoming and non-judgemental. The Voluntary Services Department are so massively supportive as well, I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

Heather’s favourite aspect of volunteering is the people. “I like interacting with patients and staff. At work I was always face-to-face with clients so I find talking to people easy.

“There’s a wonderful sense of community with the other volunteers too and we all look out for each other.”

Heather says she would recommend volunteering to anyone. “I find it so rewarding and always feel lighter when I’ve been to St George’s. I hope I can continue volunteering for as long as I can. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”