Volunteers bringing colour, creativity and connection to Nelson Ward
On Nelson Ward, a female acute ward at Lambeth Hospital, our volunteers play a vital role, helping service users feel connected, confident and supported during their recovery.
Over the past year, the volunteer service and occupational therapy team have worked closely together to develop meaningful, volunteer‑led activities shaped around what service users enjoy most. These sessions play a key role in promoting service user wellbeing, bringing energy, creativity and connection to the ward.
Nelson Ward is currently supported by a team of four dedicated volunteers, offering unique activities. Here, two volunteers reflect on what volunteering means to them and the sense of achievement it gives them.
Maddy, Salsa Class Volunteer
Maddy has been volunteering at Nelson Ward since January 2026, bringing rhythm, movement and lots of smiles with her weekly salsa sessions. For Maddy, the biggest motivation comes from the patients themselves. “When people engage with the sessions and tell me how much they enjoy them, it’s incredibly rewarding,” she says. “One patient even calls it the ‘hips and dips’ class and sometimes writes that on the board before I arrive.”
Maddy also highlights how supportive the ward team is. “Deirdre, the occupational therapist and the nursing staff are so encouraging – they invite patients along and sometimes even join in themselves. It creates a really positive, supportive environment, which makes volunteering there a very meaningful experience.” Maddy’s sessions are lively, welcoming and accessible to everyone. Music is used to create a positive atmosphere, followed by a gentle warm‑up and simple dance steps broken down one by one. “A typical session begins with me putting on the music to catch everyone’s attention and set a positive, energetic atmosphere.” Maddy explains. “I often start with a fun and engaging song so everyone can begin moving and feeling the rhythm. After this, we do a short warm-up to get everyone moving gently. Then we begin learning some simple dance steps, going through them one at a time before putting them together in a sequence. I encourage patients to showcase their own moves and creativity, which makes the sessions more interactive and fun.”
“I encourage everyone to add their own moves and creativity,” Maddy says. “If we have time, patients choose their own songs so we can explore different styles together.”
Carrie, Knitting Group Volunteer
Carrie has been volunteering at the Nelson Ward since September 2025, running a weekly knitting group that offers calm, focus and creativity.
She was drawn to volunteering through a desire to support mental health services in her local community and to share her love of teaching new skills. “I was looking for an opportunity to contribute positively within my local community, particularly in mental health” Carrie explains. “I have long held an interest in, and respect for, psychiatric care because people close to me have needed these services. I enjoy teaching new skills and I wanted to bring a caring and friendly approach to learning crafty activities.”
Carrie also works closely with Deirdre, the occupational therapist, creating an inviting space using colourful yarns, needles and sample pieces that naturally draw people in. “I explain that I’m very happy to teach absolute beginners, as well as those who already knit to learn new techniques. A colourful display of yarns, knitting needles and sample swatches helps provide visual stimulation and often draws people in. One challenge is when someone wants to continue their knitting outside the session. It can be frustrating for them to have to put their project away until the following week.”
One of her most memorable moments was watching one experienced knitter create a beautiful swatch over several weeks. “Seeing someone create a beautiful piece over several weeks, it became more like a small work of art than a practical object. Watching her notice the early mistakes and how their work became more even was amazing. She was so proud and always keen to help others.”
Carrie has also learned the value of shared quiet moments. “I’ve learned that silence doesn’t always need to be filled. Sometimes sitting together in silence, focused on knitting, feels really nurturing. The comfort of knitting can help people open up and often the most important thing is simply listening and holding those moments calmly.”
Nelson Ward’s occupational therapist, Deirdre McGale, who works closely with the volunteers,recognises the difference volunteers make each week. “Nelson Ward benefits from an amazing team of volunteers who share their enthusiasm for salsa dancing, digital technology, crochet and knitting with our service users. They bring a much-appreciated breath of fresh air onto the ward each week extending the range of meaningful activity that is so important for restoring health and wellbeing.”
Alongside Maddy and Carrie, Trish runs a weekly crochet group, and Sylvia supports service users with digital skills such as using mobile apps, setting up email accounts and mobile banking.
Together, our volunteers help make Nelson Ward a place of creativity, learning and connection, one session at a time.
Interested in volunteering?
We are always looking to welcome new people to join our volunteering team and get involved in our work. If you are over 16 and can make a commitment of at least three hours per week for nine months then why not think about volunteering with us.
There are a variety of roles for our volunteers - including befriending service users, helping occupational therapists and gardening.
You will need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service check, attend training, supply two references and complete an Occupational Health disclosure before you can start volunteering because most roles will involve contact with vulnerable adults.
You can find out more about volunteering with us on our website here: Information about volunteering at South London and Maudsley
