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This week (1-7 June), we are proud to celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026 and recognise the incredible people who give their time, skills and compassion to support others across our services.

Volunteers play a valuable role throughout our organisation, supporting patients, carers, staff and local communities in many different ways. Across our services, volunteers support a wide range of activities including peer support groups, arts and crafts, reading groups, horticultural projects, pastoral care and Pets as Therapy visits. Their support not only helps patient wellbeing, but also helps people build confidence and develop new skills.

Volunteers’ Week is a national campaign that has taken place across the UK since 1984. It provides an opportunity to say thank you to volunteers everywhere and to celebrate the positive impact volunteering has on individuals and communities.

One of our volunteers, Victor George, has been volunteering as a Peer Support Worker for the past six years. Victor said: "I really enjoy volunteering and it is very rewarding.

"I help run the peer support group, we have had a lot of students over the six years, and we have worked through lockdown, from the cafe onsite to the medium secure unit and now back in the onsite cafe.

"I feel the role has helped myself as well, I am always up to date on training and do whatever is necessary to help the students of the group, I like hearing all the things others get up to in the week and see great progress all the time."

Sharon Tregale, Clinical Practice Lead and volunteer, visits wards alongside her dog Cocoa as part of the Pets as Therapy programme. Sharon shared: "Volunteering is a way of being able to share the wonderful nature that Cocoa has and to bring happiness to those who may be struggling with their own mental health difficulties. It’s also my time with Cocoa where I can see how happy she is with meeting lots of new people. I get a real sense of enjoyment and positivity supporting others.

"On my last visit to Beech Ward, Cocoa and I had the pleasure of meeting with a gentleman who I had been told rarely moved from their bed let alone sit up and have some positive time with Cocoa. A genuine smile could be seen by the gentleman and Cocoa of course."

Cocoa's visits have already had a positive impact across several wards.

Becca Bates, Occupational Therapist, said: "We were so grateful to welcome Cocoa and Sharon onto the ward....our patients absolutely loved the visit, and it brought much joy to everyone involved. Many have been sharing in community meetings how much they’d value a therapy dog, so this meant a great deal to lots of us. Thank you both for your time and kindness in making it possible. We look forward to your future visits!"

Next month Cocoa and Sharon will be visiting Beech, Haytor and Salus wards in Torbay.

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we would like to say thank you to every volunteer who supports our organisation. Your kindness, dedication and generosity continue to make a difference to staff and service users every day.

If you would like to get involved in our volunteering programme, you can join our volunteering webinar or email dpn-tr.DPTVolunteers@nhs.net