An Overview of Hospital volunteering
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
All of our volunteering roles are non-clinical and are focused on enhancing our patients’ hospital experience. You could be offering company to patients as a patient visitor, serving them tea and coffee as a ward support volunteer or helping them to get to their appointments as a buggy driver. Whatever role you choose, you will be making a difference to patients at what can be a very difficult time. Please note that we are not able to offer shadowing of staff or work experience.
How much time do I need to volunteer?
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 volunteer is significant and means we ask for a minimum commitment of one 3 hour session per week for 3-6 months (dependent on role) from all of our volunteers. This will also give you time to settle into your role and develop your skills.
Please watch the videos below to find out more about our specific volunteering roles.
During busy periods it may take longer to respond to applications however we will get back to everyone
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
