VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help support patients at the Steeton-based Airedale Centre for Mental Health.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the facility, issued the plea to coincide with national Volunteers’ Week.

The organisation is also seeking volunteers for Lynfield Mount Hospital in Bradford.

Both sites provide specialist care for patients with mental health needs who are too unwell to be treated at home.

The trust needs volunteers to work alongside occupational therapists, supporting patients in activities such as crafts, singing, walking and gardening.

And it is looking for people to talk to service users on the wards about their experience of care, listening to their feedback and liaising with relevant staff and departments about comments.

Catherine Jowitt, volunteer lead at the care trust, said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic it has not been possible to have volunteers onsite and their absence has highlighted what a huge difference their work makes to patients and staff on our wards.

“With the increased need to provide mental health support following the past year’s events, we are thrilled to be welcoming back volunteers and we need their support now more than ever.

“Our volunteers need to be good listeners and communicators who can be creative and are confident in getting others involved.

“Volunteers would need to give a few hours a week and will gain a lot from these rewarding roles. We get a great deal of positive feedback from existing volunteers who are often surprised at how much they gain when they give-up their time for others.”

All new volunteers will receive an induction.

For more details, call 01274 322662, email volunteer@bdct.nhs.uk or visit bdct.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteering.