Meet our Volunteers

Volunteers at the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust provide invaluable help to patients and staff all year round. We asked a few of them about what they do at the Trust. 

Clive Jenns

Clive is new at the Trust and gives his time as a presenter on Valley Park Radio, the Hospital Radio Station. Clive has a great passion for music and has enjoyed being a part-time DJ for many years. He brings his skills and experience to provide entertainment for patients listening to the Hospital Radio during their stay, and, through his own time as a patient in hospital, knows how much enjoyment radio can bring to people.  

Thanks to donations, the station has recently purchased new equipment that enables patients to stream the station on smart devices, such as mobile phones or tablets. The new streaming service is very exciting as patients can now listen over the Internet to the station wherever they are, even outside of the Hospital. This also allows friends or family to listen in and dedicate a song to a loved one in the Hospital, and brighten their day.

Clive loves playing music for people on the station and stated,

“If one person has enjoyed a song I've played, it's a fantastic feeling knowing I've brought them joy.”

Bridget Sparks

Bridget volunteers with the Play Specialists on the Willow Ward (Children's Ward) as part of her role as the local Asda Community Champion. A day for Bridget can involve doing arts and crafts with toddlers to playing chess or teaching card games to the teenagers in the Ward. Bridget said,

“I love volunteering at the Trust and spending time with the children, building special relationships and making their time more enjoyable. ”

Nihtta Ganger 

Nihtta volunteers on the Ebony Ward, one of our older adult wards, as a Dementia Buddy. She helps two days a week to listen and talk to patients who may not have friends or family who are able to visit, providing companionship for them during their stay. 

Nihtta stated,

“I really enjoy chatting to the patients and listening to all of their stories. It's a fantastic feeling when patients' faces light up when I visit them, knowing my company has made them happy”

The Trust is hugely grateful to all of our volunteers for the time and dedication they provide, helping to improve the experience of staff and patients every day. If you would like to volunteer at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, please visit our volunteering page to find out more.