Retired nurse Helen attended a volunteering day at Mountbatten and has never looked back. Over the years, Helen has fulfilled a number of voluntary roles at Mountbatten, including in the cafe, in-patient unit, spiritual care and main building but has spent the past four years as a receptionist in the John Cheverton Centre.

Her role includes welcoming people, checking in those attending appointments, showing people around the building as well as other admin jobs, when necessary.

She said: “For me, the main thing is the people we support and I think it’s really important to meet and greet them with a smile. Sometimes, I can see they’re nervous and if I can make them feel a little more comfortable then that’s my role.

“It’s a lovely, happy place to be. To anyone considering volunteering I would say please come and volunteer, it doesn’t matter what you can do, you will be welcome and we will find a role for you. Every bit of help is so valuable.”