Nearly half of volunteers at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust have shared their views in the latest National Ambulance Volunteers survey.
SECAmb says the results show positive progress and will help shape future improvements as the Trust begins implementing its new Volunteering and Community Resilience strategy.
The strategy is designed to strengthen the role volunteers play in supporting patients and communities across the region.
This year’s survey found more volunteers feel listened to, better supported by peers and local teams, and more confident in their roles. There has also been an increase in opportunities for training, development and overall wellbeing.
Almost 63 per cent of SECAmb volunteers who responded said their experience had supported their personal development, improved their confidence and self-esteem, and helped them feel recognised for the contribution they make.
The new strategy introduces a wider range of patient-facing and non-patient-facing roles, helping the Trust better match volunteers’ skills and interests with the needs of local communities.
Training and development remain a key focus, with volunteers highlighting the benefits of peer learning, buddy shifts and mentoring. SECAmb says it is working to provide clearer guidance on training pathways and improve access to development opportunities.
Improvements in local and peer support were also noted, with plans to strengthen this further through increased capacity in the Community Resilience team and closer integration of volunteers within local operational teams.
The survey also identified areas for further improvement, particularly around technology and systems used by volunteers.
Head of Community Resilience, Danny Dixon said: “Our volunteers make a real difference every day, supporting patients, strengthening community resilience and enhancing the care we provide. It is incredibly encouraging to see such strong engagement in this year’s survey, with our volunteers sharing feedback which is crucial to help us grow and improve.
“This year’s results reflect the positive impact of listening and responding to their experiences. While we are proud of the progress made, we remain committed to building on this ensuring our volunteering offer is inclusive, well-supported and responsive, so that every volunteer feels valued, confident and recognised for the important contribution they make.”
SECAmb has thanked all volunteers who took part in the survey.
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