My mum was the coordinator of the volunteer health care program at Caboolture Hospital with St John Ambulance and I used to help her out. Then I decided that I would become a volunteer, too.

I joined the St John Ambulance Health Care Programme, known as the Hospital Volunteer Support Programme in 1998, at 21 years of age, when more volunteers were needed.

Lauren Lang

Back then, we did a wide range of activities, all geared towards helping patients and their families.

This included showing people where to go, helping families and visitors, delivering and freshening flowers, delivering magazines and chatting with people, as well as cosmetic care such as hand and feet massage, makeup and facials.

Since that time, many duties have changed and volunteer numbers have grown.

Since 2002, I have also volunteered at Abbey Gardens Aged Care Nursing Home, working with the Diversional Therapists doing some of the activities with the residents.

In 2007, I was presented with a Priory Vote of Thanks by then Governor of Queensland Quentin Bryce for community service.

My most memorable moment was when we’d just given an elderly man a hand massage and he was so happy he asked us if we did home visits. He said he was going to go to all the wards and tell the patients they should say yes if we offer. It had made him feel so good, he wanted everyone to have it.

I love helping people and I love what it gives me. When we help people, they always are very grateful and say nice comments. It makes me feel really good.

I will keep being a volunteer at Caboolture Hospital for as long as I can.

Have you got a story to share? Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.