Voluntary Services

Why Become a Volunteer?

• 
  The satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something for others.
• The opportunity to become part of a team.
• The chance to make new friends.
• Experience of working in a busy hospital.
• Opportunity to gain confidence if returning to the workplace

 

What do Volunteers Do?

Volunteers work in a number of areas around the hospital, including:

On the wards:

You could befriend patients on many of the wards at the hospital. You could read to them, help them write letters, arrange flowers or help at meal times or with refreshments.

In clinics and reception areas:

You could become involved in a wide range of administrative duties, from answering the telephone and filing to directing and escorting patients to various clinics.

In the snack bar within the Children's Outpatients Department:

You could help to serve refreshments to patients and their carers.

PALS information desk in Outpatients:

Dealing with enquiries and escorting patients, relatives and visitors around the hospital.

Administrative tasks and other interesting placements

 

How Much Time Would I Need To Give?

As little or as much as you are able; we will always try, where possible, to arrange the hours to suit our volunteers. The only thing that we do ask is that you make a regular commitment - normally we encourage new volunteers to start by giving two to three hours a week of their time.

Please note that Voluntary Services does not cover short-term work experience - for this, please see the vacancies page for details of how to contact the Personnel Department.

 

Will I Be Given Any Training?

Yes. We provide induction training for all volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to attend other courses that are relevant to the work you are doing, for example listening skills, health and safety etc.

When you join as a volunteer, you will be given a description of the task that you are expected to carry out in any given area and a member of staff will be on hand to provide help and supervision.

 

Can Anyone Become a Volunteer?

Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and age groups - anything from 17 years of age. If you would like to become a volunteer, you will need to provide the names and addresses of two referees, be health checked with our Occupational Health department and have a Police (CRB) check completed.

No previous experience is necessary, but you will need to be a good listener and someone who can readily understand the needs of individual patients.

New volunteers are always welcome. We ask only that you are reliable, willing and aware of the need of confidentiality when dealing with patients. As long as there is a suitable vacancy, we will always try to arrange your placement so that it matches your particular skills and interests. There is a one month probationary period and help with expenses may be available.

 

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer the first thing to do is to contact Voluntary Services (email: LH.VoluntaryServices@nhs.net  tel: 020 3192 6418), or make a personal enquiry at the hospital if you are not on the phone. 

You will be invited for an informal chat to discuss your interests and a possible placement. You will be given all the necessary forms to fill out and once the paperwork has been satisfactorily completed, you will be ready to start.

The Voluntary Services Department staff organise all the voluntary services throughout the hospital and are available during working hours for advice and support.

 

How Do I Become a Chaplaincy Volunteer?

Chaplaincy volunteers have a very special role at the hospital, building up relationships with patients and staff. Volunteers fare welcome from all faiths and training is provided. You will be allocated a ward which you will visit weekly and the chaplains at the hospital provide support and guidance.

If you are interested, please contact Chaplaincy on 020 8333 3299. or via tlh-tr.chaplaincyuhl@nhs.net.

Before becoming a chaplaincy volunteer, you will need to register with the Voluntary Services Department.

 

Where Can I Get More Information?

If you have any questions about volunteering in general, please contact Voluntary Services (email: LH.VoluntaryServices@nhs.net or tel: 020 3192 641).

For information on paid employment, please see the Vacancies page.