Friends Voices

Friends Voices is a collection that gathers oral histories from volunteers of the NHS over the last 70 years. It gives a rare snapshot of how volunteers have supported the NHS, and the day-to-day lives of our hospitals and communities.

The contribution of volunteers is not part of the usual history we hear about the NHS, yet it is the experiences of the volunteers that help us to understand the everyday lives and cultures that are behind much of our healthcare’s history – and perhaps provide new perspectives for future challenges.

This collection is a record and a celebration of the colossal contribution of volunteers, and hopefully an inspiration for what comes next.

Founded in 1971, the Friends of King George Hospital is a group of volunteers under the League of Friends organisation, dedicated to assisting the patients and staff of the King George Hospital in Ilford. The Friends has made many meaningful contributions over the years.

Several volunteers were interviewed at the end of 2024, and their oral histories will be added to the Friends Voices page dedicated to Friends of King George.