"Volunteering is such a rewarding experience"

Posted 6th September 2023

John Forsey, from Wallasey in Wirral, began volunteering for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in January this year and along with other volunteers, plays a vital part of our Arts Programme, helping to deliver an exciting and varied range of arts to our patients and their families to improve their experience of our centres.

Here, John, husband to Jackie, father of three and grandfather of six, talks about his volunteering journey, his day-to-day role here and some of his memories from his work with our patients.

When I retired in September 2020, I knew I wanted to spend some of my time volunteering for local organisations that were important to me and I spent two years volunteering with a local food. However, with 35 years’ experience in the health technology industry, including a number of senior roles working with various NHS departments, I missed working in a hospital environment and I felt like I could make a difference. And whilst my grandchildren keep me busy, I knew I couldn’t spend all my time playing Lego with them – as much as I might like to!

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is very dear to me and my family – my wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. The Trust and its staff cared for her so well during such a difficult time, so when it came to my retirement, I knew I wanted the opportunity to give back. And so I began volunteering for them in January 2022.

I remember my first shift well – it was spent mostly outside in the cold and rain, directing patients to the rear entrance of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool after there was an issue with the front doors. Some patients thought I was standing on a picket line! But despite the conditions, I work with such a great team of enthusiastic and caring volunteers, I kept coming back for more. I now do up to three shifts a week.

When the opportunity to support the Arts for Health programme came about, I was up for a new challenge. After some training with Arts Coordinator, Sam, I had my first shift with Beth, our Poet in Residence at Clatterbridge’s Liverpool hospital. Beth spends time with inpatients on the wards, chatting to them about the experience, their story, or just anything in particular that interests them, and comes up with a short poem on the spot. It’s really wonderful to witness.

We also have a partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and I accompany Mandy, who plays the clarinet and flutist Claire, who tour the wards playing for our patients. I often get feedback from the patients about the performances – before hearing the musicians play, patients say they can feel bored, worried or nervous. But chatting to them afterwards, they use words like happy, uplifted and content. You can see an instant change in a patients’ mood and it’s very rewarding to help that happen.

There have been so many moving experiences and stories from the last six months of supporting the programme. One such memory for me was hearing the rousing applause from patients and staff in the Radiotherapy Department when Claire was playing in the atrium. It really helped demonstrate the benefits and impact of the Arts Programme.

I really enjoy all the aspects of my role at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, especially supporting the Arts Programme. The role gives me the considerable satisfaction; I enjoy being able to interact with and help patients, families, and their companions, hopefully helping to make visiting the hospital here in Liverpool, a positive experience. Small but meaningful differences can make a big impact!