From volunteer to career: Marie’s journey with the NVS
From volunteer to career: Marie’s journey with the NVS
By Marie Agnew
I first began volunteering in 2019 at North Tyneside Hospital, and more recently at Cramlington in 2024. What sparked my interest was a close friend who was already volunteering – she’d often tell me how rewarding it was, and how much of a difference it made to both patients and staff. Whether it was offering a quiet moment over a cup of coffee or providing essential items through the hospital shop, it was clear that volunteers played an important role.
Encouraged by her stories, I got in touch with the volunteer organiser, who helped me with all the paperwork and got me settled into my role. I soon found myself serving tea, coffee, and snacks to patients, visitors, and staff – always with a smile. I helped restock shelves, kept things tidy, and closed the shop at the end of the day. What made it especially meaningful was knowing that the proceeds from the shop helped support vital services in Northumbria hospitals through the Bright Charity.
Building skills and confidence
Volunteering gave me the chance to learn a whole new set of skills. I developed my customer service abilities, got used to operating equipment like the tea machine and till, and became more confident in speaking with people. I also learned the value of simply listening – something that’s often more powerful than we realise.
Most of my training came on the job, guided by the organisers. As a visual learner, this was perfect for me – I found it far more effective than classroom-based learning. Every shift gave me hands-on experience, and I felt my confidence grow with every task.
A new career path
When I started volunteering, I was still working full-time as a nursery practitioner supporting children with additional learning needs – a career I’d been in for nearly 20 years. But the time I spent in the coffee shop showed me a new path. I loved meeting new people, supporting the hospital, and learning new things. It felt fresh and rewarding.
The volunteer organiser noticed my enthusiasm and suggested I consider applying for a permanent role within the hospital’s catering department. With her help, I completed the application and got support through the interview process.
I now work full-time in the hospital’s wellbeing centre. My role includes preparing meals, making speciality coffees and cakes for staff, collecting supplies, keeping the space clean, and maintaining equipment like the Costa machine. I work both independently and as part of a team, following hospital procedures and continuing to develop my skills in hospitality.
It didn’t take long for me to realise that this was the career path I wanted to follow.
A life-changing experience
Volunteering didn’t just change my career – it changed my life. Now that I work full-time, my husband, who is in poor health, has been able to step back from work and take on the role of stay-at-home parent for our son. It’s been a big shift for our family, but a positive one. I’m proud to support them, and even prouder to support our hospitals through my work.
To anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say: give it a go. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and maybe even open the door to full-time employment – just like it did for me. Most importantly, you’ll be supporting Bright Charity and helping make a difference across Northumbria’s hospitals.
I’m truly proud to be part of Northumbria Healthcare and to contribute to the excellent service it provides to both staff and patients every day.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the NVS, you can complete an application form here.
