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Volunteers, We Thank-you!

Volunteers Week is celebrated between 1st and 7th June every year. It is a week in which the UK celebrates volunteers and says thank-you to them for the contribution that they make.

Throughout the NHS there are countless volunteers who are all dedicated to keeping people safe and healthy. We are thankful to each and every one of them for their inspiring efforts.

This year, we wanted to shine a light on a programme that HEIW is supporting which is providing incredible, voluntary opportunities for young people. The Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme gives Army Cadet Force (ACF) cadets access to opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in the healthcare sector.

As a result of this scheme, one 16-year-old cadet has become a health care worker in Wales to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Aiden Daniel, from Seven Sisters, will soon begin training in either Port Talbot or Morriston Hospitals.

The Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF Cadet decided to join after his college studies and lifeguard job was put on hold due to the lockdown.

Aiden said “I’ve always wanted to work as a physiotherapist because I had a big operation at the age of nine where I spent six weeks in hospital, and I admired all the staff there who looked after me. I’ve always wanted to give back in any way I could.”

Aiden’s mum, Linda, said “I am very proud of Aiden, although I didn’t expect to be sending my 16-year-old out to work in a pandemic.

Aiden added he used his RCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme experience to help pass the interview. Supported by HRH Prince of Wales, the scheme aims to develop and prepare them for life and to support them towards employment in nursing.

We at HEIW are thrilled to be able to fund opportunities like this to give an insight into healthcare professions. It is incredible to see people take these opportunities and go on to pursue a career within healthcare.