Volunteer Feeding Buddies were treated to tea and cakes as a thank you for all the great work they do working with elderly and vulnerable patients during meal times.

There are currently 75 Buddies working across 12 wards at Southend Hospital, but the hospital is always looking for more.

Jane O’Connell, voluntary services manager, said: “The Buddies do an incredible job. By helping patients to eat up, they have a direct impact on patients’ health and wellbeing.

Jane continued: “Our nursing staff are always incredibly busy. But as volunteers, Buddies have the time to sit and talk to patients, encouraging them to eat and making mealtimes more of a social occasion.”

If you would like to become a Feeding Buddy, please call 01702 435555 ext 6135 or email volunteers@southend.nhs.uk.