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.