Regional Chair: Simon Needham
Simon began volunteering as a teenager and has continued his devotion to volunteerism in health and social care throughout his life. In 1974 Simon was appointed Social Therapist for the continuing care unit at Nottingham City, eventually developing volunteering opportunities across most areas of the hospital. The 1997 report ‘Strengthening Volunteering Within the NHS’ resulted in his appointment as corporate lead for volunteering and community involvement.
During an NHS career of over 30 years, Simon was also a member of the National Association of Voluntary Service Manager (NAVSM) of which he was Chairman until May 2006 and his active networking brought him to Friends regional meetings. Although retired from the NHS he is still passionate about volunteering in heath and social care and the difference it can make to local communities. Simoon undertook a consultancy on behalf of Attend during the Spring of 2006 and was appointed by Attend as Regional Development Manager for the Midlands with lead responsibility for Volunteering in Hospitals, in September 2006.
Simon enjoys cooking and lives in the Vale of Belvoir with his wife, Anita, a retired District Nurse who shares his interest in steam railways and classic cars – we own a 1960s’ Triumph Vitesse convertible. Personal interest in local developments led him to join the League of Friends of the Grantham Hospital and he was elected Chairman of this charity in July 2007. Internal re-organisation within Attend led Simon to become NHS Development Manager in October 2008. He was appointed Chairman, East Midlands Region in December 2008.
