The last day of Volunteers’ Week June 1 – 7 was a Volunteers’ Wellbeing Day, with some well-earned pampering for our 100+ volunteers who have done so much for Oxford Health.

One of the sessions, Annabelle Padwick’s Growing for Wellbeing, delighted participants.

“I really enjoyed this session,” said one. “Annabelle is an amazing inspirational speaker and I learnt a lot. Her energetic love of growing things is infectious, and it was great to understand how she helps support people and engender a sense of achievement. It left me wanting more and I’ve already invested in some sprouting seeds! “

Another one said:

“Excellent in every way! Very knowledgeable and open sharing forum. Would highly recommend.”

Volunteers were also sent a gift of pumpkin seeds and there are early signs of success. Volunteer Sandra Abo El Noor sent a photo of her seedlings with a message:

“Thank you to you and all for the pumpkin seeds received recently. For someone who has had little success with seeds in the past, I am delighted to share this photograph with you.”

Annabelle’s session and the gift of pumpkin seeds were funded by Oxford Health Charity. Julie Pink, Head of Charity and Community Involvement, said:

“Volunteers’ Week is a great time to reflect on the gift of time and positivity that volunteers bring each time they support our patients, staff and wider services. It was lovely to be able to give something back this year through the wellbeing sessions and also the seeds – that they hopefully will see grow to bring joy over the summer.

“We are working hard to bring our volunteers back to their roles as restrictions ease and are excited to see them all again.  A big thank you to Annabelle, Natalie and Maya for their support with the wellbeing day.”