Volunteers Week started on Sunday, June 1, with a special event on Lemon Quay. Non-profit enterprises of all kinds used the chance to raise awareness of their work in the community, in the hope of attracting new volunteers.

The following week, various voluntary groups serving the Royal Cornwall Hospital used the occasion to showcase their work via social media interviews, information displays in Trelawny Reception, recruitment opportunities even a volunteer gift trolley.

Hospital patients, visitors and even staff, who in many cases do not move far from their own departments, had the chance to learn about the behind-the-scenes essential 'extras' provided by the volunteers.

This last group was a particular target for Cornwall Hospital Broadcasting Network (CHBN), Truro's hospital and community radio station. The hundreds of hospital staff rarely have reason to pass our studios in the Tower Block basement.

On Thursday, June 5, we held an Open Studios Day. Some of our volunteers were there to show off our technical apparatus, which recently received a complete digital upgrade. They gave a short overview of how programmes are put together, how the automatic playout system works, and how presenters broadcast live or pre-record.

A member of the Blood Transfusion team wrote: “Thank you for keeping all of us in the hospital in jolly good spirits with your music.”

Why do we volunteer? Those of us who have retired from paid work want to give ourselves something useful to do. We can benefit from the physical and mental exercise while learning new skills. Meanwhile, students - particularly those thinking about a career in medicine - have the chance to experience different aspects of hospital life while enhancing their CV.

There are dozens of volunteer opportunities at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Call 01872 253737 or email the Voluntary Services Team at [email protected]

You can be sure of a warm welcome.