Oxfordshire has a multitude of hospitals, ranging from the vast site at the John Radcliffe in Headington, to the much smaller Chipping Norton Community Hospital. Nearly all of these have a League of Friends, run by active volunteers aged from their teens into their eighties.

"We value each and every one of our existing volunteers, but we have a constant need for new members who will give their time and energy to support the League of Friends in their local area," said Hilary Daffern, chairman of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital League of Friends. "All the money raised through the efforts of the volunteers is invested in new equipment and facilities to improve a patient's time in hospital.

"Volunteering doesn't just provide a benefit to the patients, but is good for you as well. Volunteering can improve your health by raising self-esteem, reducing blood pressure, combating social isolation, and reducing the impact of stress," she added.

For younger people who volunteer, donating their time can also be of benefit by: enhancing their cv opening doors for career considerations helping them to develop personal skills giving them the opportunity to learn new skills increasing their base of work experience for future employment introducing them to new friends increasing personal satisfaction providing educational opportunities.

People who volunteer have many reasons for doing so. Some become members of the League of Friends teams because their family has had some connection with the hospital, and there is a desire to give something back.

Other reasons include bereavement or retirement, when people wish to bring a sense of structure and purpose to their lives.

The Leagues are supported by Attend, an organisation that supports volunteering in health and social care. They provide their members with the networks, resources and expertise that they need to grow.

Hilary is also area chairman for Oxfordshire at National level, working for Attend. She said: "Volunteers are essential to the strength of our health services and the health of our local communities.

"Our aim is to protect and expand the vital roles that volunteers play."

To find out more about volunteering at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital, contact Hilary at league.friends@ noc.anglox.nhs.uk, or telephone 0774 9849413 for details.