A day the life of a Step-Down volunteer: meet Lauren!

"As a Step-Down Volunteer, I help create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients. When I’m on volunteer shift, I introduce myself, get to know them, and check how they are settling into the step-down property.

I meet new patients regularly, as they stay for a short period, and I love organising and engaging them in creative activities like decorations, hot chocolate days, and board games to bring everyone together and build a sense of community.

Beyond that, I guide patients toward their next steps by signposting them to appropriate accommodation options and offering support with financial matters like Universal Credit.

At its heart, my role is about being a supportive, trustworthy presence who helps patients feel more at ease during this important transition."

"Volunteering has really taught me how to flourish in a fast-paced environment. Since patients at the step-down property typically stay for a short time as they transition to their next phase of care, I have had to adapt quickly, with managing multiple tasks, helping individuals settle in, facilitating activities, and connecting them with helpful resources, all while remaining focused and compassionate.

Each patient has their own unique needs, so I have learned to adjust my approach by listening carefully, picking up on individual concerns, and finding creative solutions. It’s been a confidence booster, and this experience has shown me how to respond effectively to all sorts of situations, and it’s something I’ll carry forward in everything I do."

Volunteering through the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme has given me a feel for what working in healthcare is actually like. Before, I just thought of healthcare as a broad field, but now I see how many different areas there are and how they all fit together. I have learned about things I never knew existed, and it’s helped me appreciate all the smaller, behind-the-scenes roles that make the whole system work.

One of the biggest ways it’s helped is by building my communication skills. Talking to patients, staff, and other volunteers regularly has given me confidence and taught me how to express myself clearly. I’ve also learned how to adjust my approach depending on who I’m working with, which has been really eye-opening.

Plus, I’ve become much better at problem-solving - finding solutions on the spot and handling situations that come up unexpectedly. Overall, being part of VtC has given me a clearer idea of what to expect and what’s required to succeed in this field. It’s made me realise how much there is to learn and how I can keep growing, and I feel a lot more prepared to take on a healthcare career."

"One moment that really stood out to me was when I learned how to help a patient who was struggling with Universal Credit. My supervisor guided me every step of the way, showing me how to approach the situation.

In just 30 minutes, I was able to assist the patient with her Universal Credit issue and connect her with the resources she needed. She had been in a really challenging spot, but after this process, she left the step-down property with everything resolved.

This experience made me realise how important it is to learn these skills and how much of an impact I can have with the right guidance and support. It’s something I’ll never forget and left a lasting impression on me. It made me feel proud to be part of a process that genuinely helped someone through a tough time, and it showed me just how meaningful small acts of support can be."

"If I had to pick just three words, I would go with eye-opening, skill-building, and empowering. But honestly, it’s been so much more than that. This experience has boosted my confidence in ways I never imagined, taught me how to handle challenges, and shown me just how much impact I can make. I have grown so much, not just in skills, but in understanding what a future in healthcare could look like.

It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to keep learning and contributing."