We’re so proud our Daisy Volunteer project, run in partnership with Marie Curie, has been shortlisted in four categories of the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA).

Daisy volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients at the end of their lives who in many cases would otherwise be alone as they have no one able to visit them. They also provide the opportunity for relatives of end of life patients to take a break, knowing someone is with their loved ones.

Since launching in 2021, Daisy volunteers have helped 300 patients, receiving lots of praise from grateful relatives.

The service has been nominated in the following categories: Partnership Working to Improve Experience, Strengthening the Foundation, Support for Caregivers, Family and Friends, and Personalisation of Care.

Grace Allick, from our Chaplaincy team which oversees the service, said: “We’re really excited the Daisy Volunteer Project had been recognised and shortlisted for four awards. This valuable service provides companionship and support, as well as respite for relatives.

“It was made possible thanks to the funding and support from Marie Curie, which enabled us to bring on board a coordinator to recruit and train the volunteers.”

Debbie Ripley, Marie Curie Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Services, London, added: “The fact that the project has been shortlisted for not one, but four awards, is testament to the special role the volunteers play for people at the end of their life.

“This project highlights the value of support for people receiving palliative care, as it’s not only clinical care that can enrich their experience at the end of their lives, but also companionship.”

These awards recognise best practice in patient experience across health and social care in the UK. Winners will be announced in a ceremony at the University of Birmingham on Wednesday 28 September.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Daisy volunteer, contact our Chaplaincy team.