My first time volunteering at King’s College Hospital as a meal time support volunteer was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

What kind of patients would I be serving at the hospital? Would the staff be nice? Would I be able to interact with the patients there? These were questions that spun in my mind like clothes in a tumble dryer! However, as soon as I stepped through the doors of the ward I was assigned to, I realised I need not have worried. The staff were welcoming and quickly set me at ease. I found myself engaged in feeding patients, chatting with those who welcomed a conversation and carrying on a cheerful monologue with those who appreciated a moment of distraction from the terrible pain of recovery. I also served tea, coffee and food to patients and helped the staff in whatever way I could in the ward. Time flew by quickly and before I knew it, I had completed the hours I had signed up for and more.

Having now been a volunteer for almost two months, I feel at home helping patients and interacting with patients and staff from different walks of life and cultures. Overall, it has been an amazing and inspiring experience. It has taught me patience and empathy and on a practical note, how best to feed patients in bed. To feel that I may have made a difference, no matter how small it may be, is truly rewarding for me! I look forward to volunteering at King’s College hospital each week and in the process, grow to be a better person. As in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”