National accolade for Royal Free Charity volunteer

7 November 2022

Training volunteers to care for patients with dementia, telephoning patients at risk of isolation and supporting biobank research are just three ways that Royal Free Charity volunteer Evelyn Blumenthal makes a difference.

Now, Evelyn’s remarkable contribution to the Royal Free Hospital has been recognised with a prestigious national award that celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond expectations in their volunteering role and made a noticeable impact on the experience of staff, patients and their local community.

Evelyn scooped the volunteer of the year in England accolade at the Helpforce Champions Awards at a ceremony in London on Friday, the first time the annual awards have been held in person since the pandemic.

“I’m amazed and stunned. I never in a million years thought I would be the winner,” said Evelyn.

Jon Spiers, chief executive, Royal Free Charity, said: “Evelyn is a familiar face at the Royal Free Hospital and I know this award will come as no surprise to any member of staff who has had the privilege of working alongside her or any patient who has benefited from her exceptional care and compassion.

“Not only does she provide excellent care for some of our most vulnerable patients, but she also takes the time to invest in the development of new and less experienced volunteers, particularly in relation to our approach to supporting patients with dementia.

“Evelyn is a superb role model for NHS volunteers and we’re all very proud of her.”

Since retiring from working in a hospice, Evelyn has devoted her time to supporting the charity’s dementia companionship volunteer programme. She has trained volunteers and taught them the skills to visit patients with dementia or who are elderly and vulnerable to ensure they feel secure and stimulated during a hospital stay.

Evelyn also volunteers for the charity’s support hub as part of its check in and chat programme. In this role, she makes regular phone calls to patients at risk of loneliness and isolation to offer a listening ear and signpost to additional help when necessary. Angelina, a patient supported by Evelyn with regular calls, said: “I had reached rock bottom and Evelyn helped me overcome it. She played such a huge role in my recovery and left a footprint in my heart.”

Evelyn also volunteers in the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust ethical biobank review. She sits on a board review and gives feedback on research applications from an ethical point of view.