VOLUNTEERS are needed to step up so a cafe can reopen at Southampton General Hospital.

People are needed for the soon-to-be reopened eye unit cafe. Anyone who can spare time to brew tea and coffee for patients is welcome.

The cafe which is based in the reception of Southampton General Hospital's eye unit has been closed since 2020 due to the pandemic.

Beryl Gatesman, chairperson for the League of Friends for the Southampton eye unit, said she has been finding it difficult to get volunteers.

Beryl - a volunteer manager for more than seven years - said the cafe has been "greatly missed" by staff and patients.

The 78-year-old said: "We have reopened other cafes in the hospital and the library but we need this final push for the eye-unit cafe.

"A lot of the volunteers haven't been able to come back. It's been over two years since we closed so many people's circumstances have changed.

"We've stayed all close and it's been a fun way to stay social. Some of them have been around my house just for a chat outside of the cafe.

"I just don't have enough volunteers to reopen. What everyone does makes it just a little bit easier for the patients and it's a nice social thing for them too".

The money raised by the volunteers goes towards the hospital's funds. It has previously paid for children's toys, waiting room TVs, and a Christmas tree for staff. 

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Beryl said she had little response after advertising the roles online.

She said: "Today's world is so about being online however many retirees of a certain age that are keen would not look online for volunteer opportunities. 

"This is the method that the hospital Volunteer Office use so not many volunteers who want to do the tea bar have found us.

"I have been going out myself and putting posters on notice boards to reach more people.

"I hope that getting the word out more will bring people to this opportunity and do some good for people who need it."

To volunteer visit Southampton General Hospital's website or contact Beryl via email: theperil91@gmail.com or call 07701312941

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