A dedicated community volunteer and Redditch hero has completed more than 500 tasks to support people across Worcestershire and the NHS. 

Since joining the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme during the pandemic, Heather Gibbs has completed hundreds of tasks ranging from telephone support to medication deliveries as part of her ongoing efforts to make a difference in her community. 

Ms Gibbs started volunteering at just 11 years old and has amassed more than 60 years of experience as a volunteer. 

Her passion for helping others has motivated her to reach such an impressive milestone since joining the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders in 2020. 

Ms Gibbs said: "I find a lot of pleasure in helping people and getting an insight into their lives. I've heard so many amazing stories whilst volunteering, I could've written a book. 

"It's also nice to meet other volunteers and be part of such an intimate community. I've made so many good friends. Being a volunteer responder is immensely flexible.

"You can choose what tasks to complete so that it suits you. I would encourage anyone considering volunteering to just go for it. You'll love it. To have the opportunity to make people in your community feel comfortable and happy is an amazing reason to take that initial step." 

In her role as a Check In and Chat volunteer, Ms Gibbs provided a much-needed human connection to vulnerable people during the most isolated days of the pandemic. 

More recently, her dedication continues to touch countless lives by offering comfort and guidance to those in need of a listening ear. 

As an active Vaccination Steward Volunteer, she helps protect the health and wellbeing of those most vulnerable in her community by supporting the delivery of the seasonal COVID-19 and flu vaccination programmes. 

Ms Gibbs is one of over 40,000 volunteers making a difference through NHS and Care Volunteer Responders.

The programme is delivered by Royal Voluntary Service and GoodSAM, to support the NHS and healthcare teams across England.

She hopes her accomplishment of completing 500 tasks will motivate others across Worcestershire to get involved and explore voluntary opportunities in their area.  

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: "Completing 500 tasks is a highly impressive achievement, and we are incredibly proud and thankful for Heather’s efforts.

"Her hard work has undeniably made a positive impact in Worcestershire, supporting the NHS, healthcare teams, and those most vulnerable in her community.   

"I’d encourage anyone feeling inspired to give back to visit our website and become a volunteer today. Whether you go on to complete one task, or one thousand, a single action can be all it takes to make a difference." 

For more information visit www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org