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What volunteers do

Short Term Volunteering 

We understand that not all volunteers are able to offer their support over a long period of time due to changing commitments.

However the recruitment, training and support required for each volunteers is significant and means we require a minimum commitment of (40/50) hours over a period of 12-16 weeks from all of our volunteers. This will also give you a really good and comprehensive volunteering experience.

Some roles are also more suitable for volunteers who know they are only available for the minimum period of time – this will be discussed with you at your interview.

Please consider your availability when applying and contact a member of the team for an informal chat about your individual circumstances.

We really hope that volunteers remain with us for much longer but if you do leave us after completing your minimum hours/weeks we will provide you with a reference and a certificate.

Due to the high volume of applications recently, we are taking longer than usual to shortlist but we will be in contact with you to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Public Areas

Buggy Service

Volunteers drive a customised golf buggy or tug around the hospital site taking visitors and patients to and from their destination. You will need:

  • Full Clean Driving licence
  • Availability for shift – 9-1 or 1-4 any weekday
  • Enjoy communicating with a range of people
  • Have an understanding of the needs of patients and visitors using the service
  • Be able to undertake a straightforward training session to gain an electric vehicle driving licence
If you would like to apply to become a buggy driver, please complete the registration of interest form. 

>Read more

>  Register your interest for buggy driving


Volunteering - Buggy volunteers









>Register your interest for Buggy Driving

Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet Volunteers are based at entrances and strategic points around the hospital to welcome and guide patients and visitors. You will need:

  • To be a good communicator and keen to help
  • Be mobile, as this role requires moving around the hospital site
  • Be flexible and adaptable
  • To enjoy volunteering as part of a team
  • Be available for a 3-4 hour shift between 8-5 on a weekday

Osbourne Outpatients Clinic Volunteer 

The Osborne clinic is based within Cancer Services You will be asked to support around the clinic and undertake general meet & greet duties. 

Fracture Clinic Volunteer

This will involve general meet & greet duties and transporting patients in wheelchairs. 

> Read more

>Register your interest for Meet & Greet roles

Volunteer in Meet and Greet wearing mask










>Register your interest for Meet & Greet roles


Ward Based Roles

Ward Support /Mealtime Assistant

This role offers practical help and support to patients on specific wards across the three hospital sites.

You will be involved in assisting with nutrition and hydration, running errands for patients and providing social support

You will start as an outreach ward support volunteer and will be supported by a Ward Volunteer Coordinator or another experienced volunteer.

Once more established in this role you may choose to be placed on a specific ward.

For this role you would need to be available for one morning or afternoon session from 10-1 or 1-4 Monday to Friday.

We are currently unable to offer opportunities in the evening or at weekends. 

Volunteer seated with a mask










>Register your interest for ward based roles

Hairdressing

This role provides a very basic service - washing and styling hair. Although hairdressing skills are  welcomed in this role, anyone can apply.

Patient Visiting

Volunteers visit patients on wards, offering them company and a listening ear. Patient visitors can be a lifeline to patients who don't have any visitors - language skills are always welcome, and of course, you must enjoy and be good at talking to people.

Volunteers for hairdressing service

Library Service

A team role taking a trolley of books and puzzles etc. around wards.

Time for a Treat

Offering hand massage and manicures to patients to enhance their wellbeing

> Read More

> Register your interest for ward based roles 

Volunteers showing books

Emergency Department 

Volunteers in this role offer a friendly welcome when patients arrive at the Emergency Department and support patients and families during their visit.

Some relevant life or work experience is required for this role 

>Read more

>Register your interest for Emergency Department - currently closed


Emergency Dept with a mask
>Register your interest for Emergency Department - currently closed

Chaplaincy Volunteers

The Chaplaincy Team support patients, families and the Hospital staff community across the Glenfield Hospital, General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary through their blend of pastoral, spiritual and religious care. Chaplaincy Volunteers play an important part in supporting the work of the Chaplains by giving their valuable time to be alongside patients, offering a compassionate listening presence across the hospital wards.  

The Chaplains based in each of the hospital sites will support the volunteers through local inductions, regular contact and ongoing opportunities for reflection and skills development. 

Like other ward visiting volunteer roles, Chaplaincy Volunteers are generally based in a specific hospital and typically attend at times when ward visiting is at its most impactful - from after 10am until 4pm and usually volunteer for a few hours. Chaplaincy volunteers are expected to adhere to all requirements of the Volunteer Service as well as those of the Chaplaincy Service.   

 To apply to become a chaplaincy volunteer please call Chaplaincy on 0116 258 5487 or email: chaplaincy@uhl-tr.nhs.uk


religious symbols placed around an image of the world

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