VOLUNTEERS who give up their time to help Basingstoke hospital run smoothly are being honoured this week.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs the hospital, is marking National Volunteer Week by holding tea parties through the week to say a special thank-you to its volunteers.

Those who volunteer at the hospital take on roles including befriending, driving, administration, support and event running exercise classes.

Mary Edwards, chief executive of HHFT, said: “We are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers for the difference they make to patients, and to the partner organisations such as the Royal Voluntary Service, the League of Friends, the British Red Cross and Hospital Radio whose volunteers also provide regular support.

“These tea parties are a small way of saying thank-you.”

Volunteers for the trust are aged from 17 years and give on average three hours per week to their local hospitals, and all volunteers become part of a team, receive training and are supported by a volunteer co-ordinator.

For more information about volunteering for Basingstoke hospital, contact volunteers@ hhft.nhs.uk or call 01256 376557.