VOLUNTEERS from the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) have donated £500 of books, arts and crafts gifts to help dementia patients at Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal, relieve boredom and isolation.

The RVS and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) are working together to develop volunteer-led services and calming environments on wards to improve the wellbeing of older patients with long-term conditions such as dementia.

Lynne Wyre, Director of Nursing, UHMBT, said: "This is a great initiative and we are pleased to be working with the Royal Voluntary Service. Volunteers are a real asset to our teams and contribute to providing a positive patient experience.

"Activities such as chatting to patients, reading with them, or playing cards really helps to keep patients physically and mentally active and sociable, which is so important.

Barry Rigg, Community Engagement Manager, UHMBT, said: "The RVS play a really important part within our hospitals. I know volunteers look forward to making a real difference; small acts of kindness such as taking the time to have a chat and reading a book have a significant impact on the wellbeing of patients."

The money was raised through the efforts of Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who support the café and hospital's retail provision.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of the largest volunteering charities in Britain powered by more than 25,000 volunteers who regularly give practical help to over 100,000 older people in their homes, communities and in hospitals.

If anyone is interested in the Royal Voluntary Service volunteer positions, please email: cumbriahub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or Telephone: 01539 760001