Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

“I started volunteering to help others and it opened doors to learning, gave me the confidence and skills to change careers, and become a counselling psychologist.”

Rachael’s story, from her time working in our Early Intervention in Psychosis team, shows how volunteering can become so much more than giving your time. Through volunteering, she gained confidence, developed new skills, connected with people from different backgrounds, and discovered a career path she never expected.

Her journey is a reminder that volunteering can create opportunities at any stage of life from opening doors to learning, personal growth, and meaningful careers.

Whether you’re looking to gain experience, build confidence, meet new people or take the first step towards something new, volunteering could be where your journey begins. Read more at https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/volunteeringmademe

“Volunteering gave me confidence, experience and a career pathway - I started as a volunteer and now support volunteers across the Trust as Volunteer Coordinator.”

Ruby’s journey shows how volunteering can create opportunities you never expect. What began as volunteering alongside her studies became a chance to build confidence, develop new skills, gain experience, and grow a meaningful career.

Now, in her role as Volunteer Coordinator at BCHFT, Ruby has come full circle and is now supporting others as they begin their own volunteering journeys and helping them discover where those first steps could lead.

Volunteering doesn’t just strengthen our communities and services; it can help people grow, connect, and build their futures too.

Could volunteering be your first step? Read more at https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/volunteeringmademe

“Volunteering helped me realise the skills I already had, gave me the confidence to support and advocate for others, and opened the door to a career in the NHS I never knew existed.”

Claire, who works within our Employment Retention team, shares a story with a powerful reminder that volunteering can reveal strengths you never knew you had. What started as giving time to support others became an opportunity to develop confidence, build valuable skills, and discover a completely new career path.

Volunteering doesn’t just create opportunities for the people we support - it can transform our own futures too.

If you’re thinking about getting involved, take that first step. You never know where it could lead. Read more at https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/volunteeringmademe

Volunteering pathway helps Dudley resident rediscover confidence after personal loss 💙

Hayley’s story highlights the impact of partnership working between Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley CVS - helping local people build confidence, gain experience and make a meaningful difference through volunteering.

Supported through the NHS Volunteering for Health programme ambitions, Hayley’s journey shows how volunteering can create inclusive pathways into health and care while supporting wellbeing and personal growth.

Read more about her inspiring journey - https://ow.ly/7vVr50Z6ZJu

“Volunteering helped shape the Occupational Therapist I am today - showing me the power of connection, compassion, and making a difference.”

Gayle’s journey began with volunteering and became the foundation for a career dedicated to supporting others. Through building relationships, understanding people’s experiences, and seeing the impact of meaningful connection, volunteering helped shape not only her career path but the way she works every day.

Her story is a reminder that volunteering can open doors, develop lifelong skills, and inspire careers that make a real difference.

Whether you’re looking to gain experience, build confidence, meet new people or explore a future career path, volunteering could be the first step. Read more at https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/volunteeringmademe

Changes are coming: from Summer 2026, some Walsall services will move to Goscote House.We're working to improve the spaces where we provide mental health and community care and we want to hear from you.

💬 Your voice matters – have your say by Saturday 6 June 2026:
https://ow.ly/cEwr50YuEXN

“Volunteering helped me recover, rebuild my confidence, and take small steps forward - now I’m a CBT Therapist helping others do the same.”

Tom’s story shows that volunteering can be more than experience — it can be a turning point. What began as a way to take small steps forward became an opportunity to rebuild confidence, develop skills, and discover a fulfilling career in mental health.

Today, Tom supports others on their own journeys, drawing on the experiences that helped shape his own.

His story is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t just make a difference to others — it can change your future too.

If you’re thinking about volunteering, take that first step. You never know where it could lead.

Read more at https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/volunteeringmademe

🌟 Celebrating the power of volunteering! 🌟

Since 2023, our volunteering programme has grown to 56 dedicated volunteers supporting services across the Black Country, making a real difference to patients, service users and communities every day.

From inspiring personal stories to remarkable achievements, including 18 volunteers progressing into paid employment, our recent celebration event highlighted the incredible impact of volunteering and the exciting future ahead.

💙 Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication and compassion in supporting our services and our Black Country communities.

🔗 Read more: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/news-events-1/latest-news/trust-marks-start-volunteers-week-2026-celebrating-impact-across-black-country