Who are you?
Darren Wise, volunteer at SASH.
Summarise your role.
I have been at volunteer at SASH for four years. I’m usually based in outpatients but have recently worked all over the hospital. My journey at SASH has been very interesting. I have had a lot of opportunities as a volunteer and have met a lot of new people, whom I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t started working for the Trust. I also used to support the hospital’s radio station.
What do you find challenging about your role?
I have spina bifida and hydrocephalus and one of the things I like the most about SASH is how accessible it is. It’s very easy to get around but the corridors are really long, which can be tiring!
What do you find rewarding?
I enjoy making people’s lives better and leaving a positive mark. I help patients with things such as getting their newspapers, something from the shops or just being an ear to listen. I also enjoy my interactions with other staff members, as they have mostly been positive. I feel very welcome at the Trust. I did some work when the hand sanitisers were being fitted to ensure they were the right height for people using wheelchairs – that was really interesting. You can see that the trust takes these things seriously.
What would you improve at SASH?
Two things that I would improve at the Trust are the big slope to go to the bus stop because that’s very tiring, and, there is a massive bin by the main bus stop – I can’t use a bin that high!
Feeling inspired? Find out about our volunteering opportunities