Mental health trust ranks first in the country for volunteer hours with more than 45,000 hours donated

More than 45,000 volunteer hours were given between April 2025 and March 2026 to support Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, positioning the trust as the highest performing mental health trust in the country for volunteer hours.

To mark Volunteers’ Week, the trust is recognising the impact of its 644 volunteers, whose 45,000 hours of support, kindness and commitment are making a real difference to patients, families and staff every day.

Kirsty McInnes, Charity and Volunteers Lead for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of so much of what we do. Whether they are offering a listening ear, supporting activities, helping people attend appointments or sharing their skills and experience, their contribution is invaluable.

“During Volunteers’ Week, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of our volunteers. Your generosity, commitment and compassion make a real difference every day, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.”

The trust offers more than 50 volunteering opportunities, enabling people from all backgrounds to make a meaningful contribution within their local communities, including corporate volunteers from local organisations and businesses.

Volunteers support services in a variety of ways, including driving patients to appointments, assisting with therapy sessions, supporting families and carers, providing companionship on inpatient wards, helping with gardening and environmental projects, and offering practical and emotional support to those using services.

Volunteers are an important part of the trust’s wider commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing across Kent and Medway. Their contribution helps enhance patient experiences, reduce isolation, strengthen community connections and create supportive environments that aid recovery.

Volunteering also offers significant benefits to those who take part, including opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience, build confidence, improve wellbeing and meet new people.

The trust has recently become a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider, creating new opportunities for young people to gain valuable volunteering experience while supporting local mental health services and working towards their award.

As Volunteers’ Week celebrates the contribution of volunteers across the UK, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is thanking its 644 volunteers for their dedication and encouraging more people to consider joining its volunteer community.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, visit: https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteering/