What do volunteers do?
They do almost anything you can think of!
However, it’s important to remember that volunteers and friends are not there to do the work of a paid member of staff, but to enhance the services already provided. We have a wide variety of placements;
Here are just a few of the areas where volunteers are placed:
- Assistance on wards
- Assistance in administration
- Gardening
- Chaplaincy
- Elderly care
- Information Technology
Do you like helping others?
Are you a friendly, outgoing person?
Do you have time to spare?
Is it for you?
Volunteering is a two way process.
It benefits the volunteer and the hospital.
Volunteers should be prepared to offer four hours per week for a period of six months on a regular basis.
The minimum age for a volunteer is 17 years with parental consent.
People returning to work may find a pathway to employment and retired people can find new friends and get involved.
Expenses incurred
No volunteer should be out of pocket as a result of their voluntary work.
Volunteers who work over four hours in one session are entitled to a free lunch in the staff restaurant (where available).
Public transport expenses will be reimbursed and a mileage allowance paid to those using their own transport.
Where will I be placed?
Because we value volunteers there is a recruitment process. Once you’ve registered an interest in becoming a friend or volunteer by completing the application form, you’ll be invited to come in to the hospital for an informal chat. We need to find out a bit more about your interests and will ask a few questions about your aims and life experiences – you may already have a particular area in mind. Your views will then help us to match you to the most suitable placement.
The Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy applies to all staff and volunteers.
The Five Steps to being a volunteer are...