'Unsung hero' volunteers thanked by surgeries

Majorie Gayton said the volunteers were "unsung heroes"

Volunteers supporting doctors at surgeries in Devon are being thanked for helping their communities.

Bosses said the Befrienders service took people to appointments in the Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh areas and helped to maintain the sensory garden.

Those running the Riverside Surgery, in Bovey Tracey, and Tower House Surgery, in Chudleigh, said the volunteers enhanced the NHS services that they provided for patients.

Terry Brown, one of the volunteers, said: "You feel good, because you feel like you are doing something of value to the community."

Volunteers also help with social prescribing, by fundraising for things like free swimming vouchers for the local pool and helping patients with their mental health and wellbeing.

Majorie Gayton, who has just had a knee replacement and lives outside the town, said the service had picked her up and took her to appointments.

"They really are unsung heroes.

"They've come to get me for three appointments last week and they'll also take me to physio if I need it."

'Important service'

Nurses help put patients in contact with the service.

Nurse Katie Chalmers said: "It's such an important service...

"Some patients might need to come and see us three times a week for a wound check.

"They are able to come and see us because of the volunteer drivers."

Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool has donated swim vouchers to help with patient wellbeing

Outside the Riverside Surgery volunteers from Growing Space have regular gardening sessions every Monday which helps to maintain a sensory garden.

The herbs are used in the soup at the community centre but they have bigger plans to grow vegetables that can go into the social supermarket and community larder.

Elly Moseley, from the organisation, said: "We are hoping to put a raised bed in in the autumn, and get it going over the winter for next spring, to put some vegetables and produce in."

Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool has fundraised and donated 50 free swimming vouchers to patients who are recovering from surgery or experiencing mental health conditions.

Dr Thea Collins is one of the GPs at Riverside Surgery

Dr Thea Collins, who is a GP at the surgery, said "Our social prescribers see people who are suffering from mental heath problems, so mild or moderate depression or anxiety, who may benefit from seeing voluntary services.

"Things like baking, or recently these swimming pool vouchers, are fantastic for those who can't afford to use the pool.

"Of course this helps their physical health too."

Volunteers that support the two practices were thanked by the managers

The Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh Practice manager, Victoria Sheppard, said: "They really are important because they contribute so much to the practices.

"Things we otherwise wouldn't be able to provide.

"It really enhances the service we are able to give our patients.

"On behalf of all staff and patients at Riverside and Tower House surgeries, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

"Their dedication continues to enrich the care we provide and helps to build a truly health-conscious and caring community"