Julia - General Practice support volunteer

Volunteering at her local GP Surgery, Julia provides administrative support. She says this means she builds her knowledge and experience and has fun while being helpful and making a difference.

What is your role? 

I volunteer 4 hours a week at a GP Practice, doing a range of office and admin duties.

I wanted to do anything that was needed to help with the post-Covid recovery of the NHS and, when I heard about this role from the Volunteer Matching Service, I liked the idea it was just one regular session a week and in a small setting as it would make it easy for me to find my feet and get to know the team.

What does the role entail?

I phone patients to invite them in for flu vaccinations and book them in on the computerised appointment system. Similarly, I’ve been booking in patients for men’s health checks and routine blood pressure checks. Other tasks include filing, copying and other general office work.

Did you have training? 

Yes, it has mostly been task-based training as I go along, which was good from my point of view as it meant I was doing something useful from the start. The Practice Manager has been very supportive, and I am definitely more confident with my IT skills now.

What difference are you making to the Practice? 

I have been able to help with areas of work that the surgery staff don’t always have time to do because of their high workload. I am just so glad I have been able to help.

What difference has voluntering made to you?

Family priorities have meant I’ve not been in a workplace for a while now and I felt a bit out of practice at first, but it has been good to embrace new challenges. I have expanded my computer skills. One of the things I have most enjoyed has been phoning patients.

It has given me a sense of achievement. I find it rewarding and interesting, and I enjoy talking to the patients. It’s good fun, I’m building on my skills and experience, while being helpful and making a difference to the team.

Would you recommend volunteering in this type of role? 

I have got a lot from volunteering, so yes – it is a really good thing to do