West Berkshire Community Hospital Celebrates its Volunteers with Garden Party

On Tuesday 22 July, West Berkshire Community Hospital hosted a garden party to celebrate the dedication of its volunteers. The event took place in the hospital’s beautiful therapy garden, providing the perfect setting to recognise the invaluable support these individuals bring to patients and staff.

The hospital’s volunteers contribute in a variety of ways. The Listening Team offers both religious and non-religious spiritual care, while the Sunday Service Team assists patients during the weekly service alongside the hospital Chaplain. Social volunteers visit patients on the wards, bringing companionship and comfort, and the gardening team maintains the hospital’s therapy gardens and its Tiny Forest. In addition to individual volunteers, the hospital benefits from the support of community groups, local churches, the Women’s Institute, and the Hospital League of Friends.

The event began with a welcome address from Christine Stockwell, followed by a speech from The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try. Amongst the attendees were the Mayor of Thatcham, Councillor Petra Pemberton; the Deputy Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Sarah Slack; and the Mayor of Hungerford, Councillor Helen Simpson, who all joined to mark this special event.

The celebration was an opportunity to thank those who dedicate their time to enhancing the hospital environment - whether by visiting patients, raising funds, or maintaining the gardens. Guests were also joined by the hospital’s much-loved Therapy Dogs, who regularly visit wards to provide companionship and comfort to patients during their stay.

The garden party was the perfect place for the hospital to thank its volunteers for their unwavering commitment, which continues to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and staff alike.

Visit our West Berkshire Community Hospital service page (opens in new tab)