Shining a light on Volunteers Week

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2024, NHS Western Isles hosted an event to shine a light on the remarkable work of local volunteers, working in conjunction with the organisation.

The event, held on Tuesday 4th June, was opened by NHS Western Isles Chair Gillian McCannon, and attended by individuals from Volunteer Centre Western Isles, Western Isles Diabetes Support Group, and Paths for Health Walk Leaders, alongside staff from NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion, Human Resources, Public Focus Public Initiative, Equality & Diversity and Chaplaincy teams.

Mrs McCannon spoke about the valuable contribution that volunteers make to NHS Western Isles and society in general and said, “On behalf of NHS Western Isles, I personally want to thank volunteers for everything they do.

“Volunteers are the backbone of what we do and what we’ve done within the NHS. Volunteering is a selfless act with individuals giving up their time to connect with another person – but it has a two-way merit, with both receiving valuable personal gains.”

The group also heard of the unfortunate reduction in the number of people volunteering, both locally and nationally, since the COVID-19 pandemic, and hoped that more individuals would be encouraged to begin volunteering within their local community.

During the event, Mrs McCannon took the opportunity to encourage individuals to apply for Non-Executive vacancies at Western Isles NHS Board when they arise, helping to make a difference to the NHS in their local community.

Those with an interest in applying or wishing to discuss the role further are encouraged to visit

www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/become-a-board-member/