Cwm Taf University Health Board has been working with local school pupils to pilot a new junior volunteer scheme to help improve hospital stays for patients.

The project, designed to create more volunteer opportunities for younger people in the Cwm Taf area, saw Year Eleven students spending their free time as ward befrienders for older patients on Ward B2 at Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda hospital.

Following the six month pilot, the students said the visits had improved their communication and problem solving skills, their confidence and their understanding of people’s needs.

Patients also spoke positively of the visits, saying they had enjoyed spending time with the ward-befrienders and that their conversations with them had brightened up their day.

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