A team that supports people with complex mental health needs has received the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Voluntary Services team from St Andrew’s Healthcare, located in Northampton, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024, which recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups which support their local communities.

The accolade, equivalent to an MBE, has been awarded to St Andrew’s Healthcare in recognition of the work their volunteer team does, and the impact they have on the lives of hundreds of patients.

Simon is a patient at St Andrew’s and has benefitted from the Befriending service, which involves a volunteer him on a regular basis.

Simon said: “The volunteering team has really made a difference to my recovery at St Andrew’s. Some people don’t have family and friends to visit, but I do. However, sometimes family visits can be quite intensive. I found very often I was putting on a brave face to the ones I loved, so they did not worry about me.

“That is why having a Befriender is such a worthwhile and essential service to everyone, even people like me who have visitors. It truly makes all the difference having a visit from a volunteer as there are no expectations, and you can share as much, or as little with that person as you like, while keeping a connection with the outside world.”

The Befriending programme is one of 14 volunteering services that St Andrew’s provides, which also includes supporting patient activities, such as a weekly social club, Pets as Therapy visits and volunteering in some of the charity’s onsite shops.

There are currently 450 volunteers who donate their time to the three St Andrew’s sites in Northampton, Birmingham and Essex.

Dawn Wright, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “Our volunteers are so generous and bring a special kind of magic to our patients, contributing to their recovery in a variety of different ways. Each and every one of them bring something unique to our organisation and patients, something that cannot be replicated by staff or family members.

“We’re thrilled to receive this award as it sends a strong message to our local community about how vital volunteers are to the people in our care. Our volunteers provide added benefit to the charity by complementing the work of our paid colleagues. They bring varied skills, experiences and ideas, very often providing one-to-one time with patients, which enhances their lives.  I couldn’t be any prouder of them and my team for receiving this incredible award.

“But it’s not just our patients who benefit from volunteering; our volunteers themselves say they gain a huge amount from working with us. Many of them have told us how they really feel part of the St Andrew’s community, have made new friends and have learnt lots of new skills. We welcome anyone who walks through our doors, from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, interests and experiences, who want to make a difference.” 

Volunteering at St Andrew’s is steeped in history as it is believed the first volunteers, linked with the charity, date back to 1838. Lord Compton - The Marquess of Northampton, whose father helped build the original hospital in Northampton - is the earliest named volunteer which dates back to 1885.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. It has now continued following the accession of His Majesty The King and winners are announced annually on 14 November, which is The King’s Birthday.

Dr Vivienne McVey, CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “We’re enormously proud to have received this prestigious accolade.  We value our volunteers as they play such an important role in our patient’s recovery. I know many of our volunteers personally and have seen them grow in confidence and gain additional skills.

“I have also heard many stories where volunteers have brought light to the lives of some of our patients - many of whom do not have family or friends who visit, but have found support and friendship from our volunteers.”

The St Andrew’s Voluntary Services team will officially receive their award and certificate from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq next year. In addition, two of the winning team will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

The winners are determined by local assessors who research and visit the nominated groups before writing a report on their suitability. Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to the National Assessment Committee. The committee considers the nominations and agrees a shortlist for approval by The King.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities, click here.