Teenager Courtney Bradshaw is one of the many volunteers providing a helpful service to patients and staff at Hillingdon Hospital .

As well as supporting her local hospital, the 17-year-old says that volunteering has given her new skills and new ideas for a career.

As part of Student Volunteering Week, running from February 22 to 28, we spoke to Courtney about how invaluable her volunteering work can be.

Providing support and company

Courtney volunteers in the Grange Ward at the hospital every week, performing a range of tasks, including providing general assistance, looking after patients during meal times and providing nurses with information for their daily records.

In a typical day, Courtney will meet and help up to 12 patients, with many of them finding comfort in the company of having someone to talk to.

Courtney told getwestlondon : “I’ve seen that hospitals are very busy places and it’s difficult for staff to spend time sitting and chatting with patients so I really feel like I’m helping just by providing that support and some company to them.”

Courtney is currently studying for her A-levels at Stockley Academy and feels that working in the ward has helped her to decide on a career path.

She continued: “Before I decided to volunteer I was unsure what course to study at university. I was interested in several options, but my mind wasn’t made up.

“Volunteering and having direct contact with patients has helped me to decide that I want to study adult nursing, and then specialise in mental health services.”

'Support my local hospital and gain valuable experience'

The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that it welcomes volunteers and has more than 200 helping at both its hospitals.

The volunteers help provide support in lots of different ways from walking on the wards to running the hospital radio and helping out on reception desks.

Anyone over the age of 17 can apply to become a volunteer, and Courtney believes that more young people should take the opportunity to come and meet new people and gain new skills.

“A few years ago I wouldn't have been interested in being a volunteer, but I realised that I could support my local hospital and gain some valuable experience at the same time.

“So if you’re in a position like I was, and are unsure what you want to do, even a small time spent volunteering can help you find your career path and open up more opportunities.”

f you would like to volunteer or find out more information, you are encouraged to contact the PALS/Voluntary Services Team at Hillingdon Hospital on 01895 279973 or visit the Hillingdon Hospital website .