Frequently asked questions

• They support the staff by undertaking simple activities on the wards or in other departments
• They help the public find their way to their destination and by doing so help ease their anxiety, whether they are a patient or a visitor
• Some roles can help the patient be discharged home earlier in the day
• They can simply provide patients with vital company - especially those who have no one to visit them

• Enhance the care provided by the hospital staff
• Make patients' stays less stressful and more comfortable, and so help speed their recovery
• Allow staff more time to concentrate on the tasks they have been trained for
• Volunteers learn about the hospital and can pass that on to friends, family and neighbours - often allaying their anxieties and concerns

• Meet new people
• Make friends
• A sense of belonging
• Be able to give something back to the community
• Learn new skills
• An opportunity to undertake training
• A 'stepping stone' into healthcare
• A possible new career direction
• An annual social event

• Anyone from age 16 upwards
• There is no upper age limit, providing you are reasonably fit

The commitment we ask of all our Volunteers is for three hours a week for a minimum of six months.

Currently we are looking for applicants to become Active Responder Volunteers.

Each Active Responder Volunteer shift is for three hours:

7am to 10am, 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm, and 7pm to 10pm

We ask that our Active Responder Volunteers commit to just one shift per week

All volunteers are recruited in a similar way to paid staff, which includes the need for occupational health screening, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly CRB) checks and attending any necessary training

This will include an informal 'interview' with members of the Voluntary Services Team.

We do this so that we can get to know you and find a suitable role, as well as giving you a chance to ask any questions. 

You will be required to fill out a health questionnaire, and depending on your answers, you may need a medical. 

Do I have to be able to give a lot of time?

At least three hours per week.

We're grateful for all the time you spare, but it works better for most roles if you can give a regular time commitment. 

Placements are for a minimum of six months.

Flexibility can be discussed at your interview. 

All volunteers are required to be checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in order to protect the vulnerable adults and children we deal with.  

All volunteers are asked to complete mandatory training online.

Further training is given for certain roles, such as the feeding team.

Refresher training is required annually. 

We have a variety of placement opportunities so we always need volunteers, but we do have a duty to recruit and place volunteers in a way which ensures safety for all concerned.

We will do our best to match you with a suitable role.

However, there are also areas where placements are limited and quickly filled, such as maternity, paediatrics and physiotherapy, so it is worth checking if you have a specific choice of placement area. 

No, each voluntary role has a clear description, which is agreed before you start.