Volunteers will take centre stage this evening when their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm is celebrated at a Walsall Healthcare awards event.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall will be among guests honouring volunteers for their efforts across the Manor Hospital and its community services with a string of awards set to be presented.

Categories include Length of Service, Special Recognition and Volunteer of the Year – Young Person.

The Annual Volunteer Awards Evening has been organised by the Patient Relations and Experience Team and funded through Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.

Andrew Rice, Patient Experience & Voluntary Services Manager, said: “This is a very special night for us as we make the most of an opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge our volunteers and shine a spotlight on all the wonderful things they do to make a difference to our patients, families and staff.

“They are all heroes – giving us their time and energy free of charge and enhancing our patients’ experience wherever they go. We are so fortunate to be able to work with such lovely, kind and compassionate people and I am really looking forward to seeing them sit back, relax and enjoy this evening’s event.”

Professor David Loughton, Group Chief Executive of Walsall Healthcare will be in attendance.

He added: “We will celebrate the exceptional teams and individuals who have gone above and beyond what is required to provide an excellent level of service, delivering a record number of volunteer hours and helping us enhance the patient and staff experience.

“As Chief Executive, it is always inspiring to hear of the activities they undertake and the selflessness in which they operate. They are very much valued and appreciated, and, on behalf of the whole Executive Board, I sincerely thank them for the support that they give the organisation.”

Volunteers help out in a variety of roles including Fundraising.

Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley said: “Our wonderful volunteers are invaluable to us all at Walsall Healthcare. Well Wishers is proud to fund this important night of celebration and would like to thank volunteers for all they do. We hope they have a lovely time.”