Held on the 9th October 2008, the title of the debate, chaired by Lynne Berry MBE, Chief Executive WRVS, was ‘Volunteering will be at the heart of the future NHS’.

Speakers were; Carolyn Heaney from the Department of Health, Becki Cullen, Inclusive Volunteering Officer SCOPE, Nicci Dickins, Make It Happen Consultancy and Mike Locke the Director of Public Affairs, Volunteering England.

The event was intended to raise awareness of the significant contribution that volunteers make to improving the experience of patients, carers and the local community.

Encouraging debate amongst leaders in the health field, volunteer managers and the broader public about the role and value of volunteering in health and social care is crucial at this time, as Health Secretary Alan Johnson launches a consultation into raising voluntary participation in the NHS.

There were some strong reactions from attendees to issues raised. ‘I am glad the Time for Health Partnership provides an opportunity for us to air our differences’ said one delegate, after the dust had settled, ‘It’s good to see controversy and differences of opinion alive and well in the voluntary sector’

‘The debate made me realise I was part of a bigger picture’ commented a visiting VSM.

Photo by Attend Creative Volunteer Photographer Rosemary Hudson.