Published on: 4th June 2026
This Volunteers Week we have been celebrating the incredible volunteers across Pennine Care.
Vincent Tracey, 93, inspires hope and supports patients on the same mental health ward that once cared for him.
Vincent, a befriender on Saffron ward at The Meadows in Offerton, started volunteering after a short stay on the ward following illness.
Inspired by the care he received, he now returns each week to offer companionship and conversation to older adults who are experiencing delirium - a sudden, severe state of confusion that affects thinking, attention and focus.
After completing national service with the air force, Vincent went on to work across the world in the print and print machinery industry.
Now aged 93, he draws on his experiences as a patient and throughout his life and travels to connect with patients, offering reassurance and encouraging them to share their stories and reminisce.
Gary Mortimer, occupational therapist on Saffron ward, said: “From the moment he arrives, Vincent’s presence lifts the atmosphere. Each week he comes in with a smile and a natural ability to put people at ease.
"For many of our patients, particularly those experiencing delirium, this kind of steady, grounding interaction is invaluable.”
Vincent’s openness in sharing his own experience as a former patient is especially powerful.
Gary explains: "Because he has been through it himself, patients find him easy to relate to and trust. His lived experience offers reassurance in a way that professional expertise alone often can’t.
"When Vincent talks about his recovery, it instils genuine hope in patients who may feel frightened or uncertain about what lies ahead."
Vincent’s daughter, Helen Murray, highlighted the impact the service, and volunteering, have had on both her father and their family:
Helen said: “He really cares about people and wanted to give something back to The Meadows, as the people there really cared for him right across the board - the cleaners, the nurses, the carers, the doctors and the catering staff.
“They helped get him back on his feet and he will never forget their kindness, without them we wouldn't have got our father back.
“It gives him such a boost volunteering there and it has brought back the sparkle in his eyes. The whole family is really proud of him.”
Volunteers play a vital role across many NHS services, offering time, compassion and support to patients, carers and staff.
There are many opportunities to get involved, including befriending, running activities, gardening, hairdressing, pet therapy and collecting patient feedback.
Allison Byrne, volunteer coordinator at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Volunteers play such an important role across our services, through simple acts of kindness, connection and compassion.
“Thank you to Vincent and all our volunteers for giving time and experience and bringing hope to others. If anyone would like to get involved, please get in touch.”
People can contact the our volunteering team by email to volunteering.penninecare@nhs.net
More information about NHS volunteer opportunities is also available at volunteering.england.nhs.uk