Norfolk's biggest hospital is urging people to join its volunteering scheme which helps discharged patients settle back into domestic life.

The Norfolk and Norwich University (N&N) holds a training and recruitment day on Thursday for its 'settle-in service' and is inviting people to join the scheme.

Settle-in volunteers meet discharged patients and carry out simple checks around their houses.

These checks include washing and tidying, shopping for essential foods, and checking the heating, gas, and electric systems to ensure the patients can safely adapt to life at home again.

One such patient, Mabel Anderson, 83, of Sheringham, described the service as a 'godsend'.

She had been in hospital for around 10 days.

'I found the prospect of returning home with no one to greet me quite daunting, and I worried if I had anything in to eat or what the state of my fridge was like,' she said.

She was helped by Jo Barber, a personal assistant at the N&N, who joined as a volunteer earlier this year. Miss Barber said: 'I thought it was something nice to give back to the hospital.

'If we can help the hospital's patient-discharge process then that's a bonus.

'I would encourage other people to volunteer as it's such a good service that benefits both the patient and hospital.'

Mrs Anderson added: 'It was very reassuring to have Jo helping when I got home.

'I felt safe after she had helped me.'

To register for Thursday's training day call 01603 286060.

Have you got a health story? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk