"The volunteer's on this ward are a valued part of the support staff team. They have built relationships with both patients and visitors and often receive small gifts of gratitude from patients. They give their precious time, they are conscientious in their work and it is much appreciated by the ward, the patients and especially the housekeeping team." Diane, Housekeeper, Ward 36, NCCC.

The Newcastle Hospitals Trust values the involvement of local people as volunteers in activities that enhance the patient, visitor and carer experience, and also support staff in delivering high quality health care.

Your offer of voluntary help is very much appreciated, and you will receive a warm welcome no matter which area of volunteering you choose. 

Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to deliver the 'outstanding' care and service that we do today.

#IWILL YOUTH CAMPAIGN

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust has made a pledge to the #Iwill campaign, that it will give young people living within our communities the opportunity to take part in volunteering within our hospitals. We do this by working with local schools and colleges to increase accessibility, particularly for underprivileged young people, and to place students in volunteer roles which will enable them to grow in confidence and ambition. For more information visit #Iwill Campaign

Community Cardiac Rehabilitation - Volunteer Drivers

*See below to apply to become a Volunteer Driver

During the first few weeks after Patients come home from hospital, they are invited to take part in-group sessions at local community settings that include exercise, relaxation and healthy lifestyle advice. Volunteers provide this valuable home-to-home transport service to enable patients unable to drive, to attend the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation classes.  

Peters Story...

Following my retirement from regular employment I found myself subject to what all retirees must face - a lack of organisation in my life and very little human interaction. I had always been of a mind that giving back to the community would be a part of my later life and find the opportunity with CCRS fit the bill perfectly.

The induction and training were thorough and the personnel very welcoming and supportive aand it feels good to be part of a team again.

Now the best part, the patients. It has been a real eye opener to learn about the demographics of cardiac patients and heart warming and enlightening to hear their stories. Although we spend a relatively small amount of time together it is certainly true that relationships develop and it is both rewarding and sad to see them complete their course.

This has been one career move I do not regret!

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group is specifically designed for pre-school children with additional needs. It is a joint group run between Physiotherapy and Early Education Additional Support Team (EEAST).  Our Volunteers work alongside Physiotherapists and parents, offering an additional pair of hands to ensure that the group runs smoothly and effectively.

Nicola's Story...

I have been volunteering at Splish, Splash Bounce for over a year now and I love it! I have a daughter who has special education needs and disabilities and when she was younger, we attended Splish, Splash Bounce and we both loved it! Now, I am fortunate enough to still be part of this through volunteering. As Splish Splash Bounce helped so much with my daughter’s progress, this led me to completing the rebound therapy training myself.

I help the physiotherapist’s with supporting the children on the trampolines, I have taken lead myself on the trampoline and carried out the sessions with the children. We sing nursery rhymes while incorporating Makaton signing and this is amazing when we see the children have learned signing through singing and playing. When we are in the hydrotherapy pool, I support on the side as a spotter. I will also help set up the toys ready for play time as the children love to have a splash and play before their pool session is over.

What I love about Splish, Splash Bounce is seeing the progress that the children make during their time attending the group, they thrive and achieve so much. The children know exactly what is happening and coming next from sitting on the carpet and singing the ‘hello song’, playtime, bouncing and swimming in the pool – It is so much fun!

Youth Summer Volunteer Programme

Freeman Hospital & RVI

This New Summer Volunteer Programme is aimed at young people (aged 16 - 25) who have an interest in studying Medicine or Nursing. You will need to be able to commit to 1 x  5 day week (35 hrs) between 22nd July and 2nd September 2024.  During the programme you will gain valuable insight into working within an NHS hospital, including working alongside staff to support patients and enhance their stay in hospital.

Purpose of the Role

You will be buddied up with an existing volunteer to be a welcoming and friendly face for patients/visitors attending the hospital, and support staff in ensuring that patients receive nutrition in a timely and comfortable way.  As well as helping to enhance the patients experience, you will also develop new skills and gain valuable experience volunteering in a clinical environment in front-facing role.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

Meet & Greet:

• Provide a welcoming and friendly Meet and Greet service to patients, visitors and general public at the main entrance to the hospital.
• To provide directions to wards/departments and if required, escorting patients & visitors to their destinations.
• To offer additional support to visitors with mobility problems by calling porters for a wheelchair service.
• To dissuade people with buggies, walking aids and people who are visibly impaired from using the escalator, and to instead, offer people to use the lifts. 

Mealtime support:

• Offering support to serve meals, refreshments, and snacks.
• Offering support or prompting patients to eat, helping to ensure food is cut up, packets opened and easily reached.
• Keep patient water jugs filled and provide tea and coffee.
• Make staff aware immediately if a patient has any clinical concerns.

All duties will be overseen by nursing staff and will never include feeding patients or clinical tasks, such as personal care. 

Weeks Available (9am - 4pm)

• Monday 22nd July to Friday 25th July 
• Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August 
• Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August 
• Monday 12th August to Friday 16th August 
• Monday 19th August to Friday 23rd August 
• Monday 29th August to Friday 2nd September 

When completing your application, please include as much information as possible as to why you are applying for the programme and what skills and attributes you can bring.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an informal interview either on the 29th or 30th May. 

Mealtime Support Volunteers

RVI & Freeman Hospital

Mealtime Support Volunteers are incredibly valued members of the team helping to enhance the experience patients have while they are in hospital.   Volunteers will support staff to serve meals, offer companionship to patients and ensuring they have everything they need to be able to make the most of their mealtime experience.

Note: We accept applications from people who are 16 and over, however most of our wards required Volunteers to be aged 18 or over.  This is due to being exposed to confronting sights/experiences due to some patients having dementia, being acutely unwell, receiving end of life care, or having medical devices in place such as feeding tubes.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• Take direction from staff as to which patients require assistance
• Helping patients to choose meals and fill out order cards
• Offering support to serve meals, refreshments and snacks
• Offering support or prompting patients to eat, helping to ensure food is cut up, packets opened and easily reached.
• Keep patient water jugs filled and provide tea and coffee
• Make staff aware immediately if a patient has any clinical concerns

All duties will be overseen by nursing staff and will never include feeding patients or clinical tasks, such as personal care. 

Available Shifts

• Monday:        11:00 - 14:00
• Tuesday:        11:00 - 14:00
• Wednesday:   11:00 - 14:00
• Thursday:       11:00 - 14:00
• Friday:            11:00 - 14:00
• Saturday:        11:00 - 14:00
• Sunday:          11:00 - 14:00

Minimum commitment:

1 shift per week up to a minimum of 6 months

Pets as Therapy Dogs

Various wards across the RVI & Freeman Hospitals

We are looking to grow our valuable and dedicated team of Pets as Therapy Volunteers who provide essential emotional support, and comfort to patients across our services.

Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist, the PAT Dog volunteers also engage in purposeful activities to support rehabilitation and improve general wellbeing of adults and children. 

All of our dogs have passed a temperament assessment to ensure that they are they are calm, friendly, are not affected by sudden noises, and they love to be fussed by adults and children.  As a volunteer you will be to complete our pre-engagement checks and online training.

If you are registered with Pets as Therapy:  Please email nuth.volunteer-recruitment@nhs.net to speak to a member of the Volunteer Services Team.

If you would like to register  as you think that your dog has the necessary attributes to become a Pets as Therapy dog, please click on "more information" to find out how to apply.

Requirement:

Commitment to 2 hours per week

Volunteer Patient Drivers

RVI/Freeman Hospital/Community Settings 

Purpose of the role:

As a Volunteer Patient Driver you will be helping people in your local community access non emergency but vital medical appointments at the RVI, Freeman Hospital or one of our Community setting. You will make sure that patients arrive in a relaxed and friendly manner and taking them back to their home address after their appointment.           

All fuel costs and additional expenses are refunded.

To become a volunteer driver, you will need to:

• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence with no more than six penalty points
• Have access to a car with a minimum of four doors
• Have fully comprehensive insurance
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (funded by the Trust)
• Undertake a Driver Health Assessment (funded by the Trust)
• Take part in our on-line volunteer induction training programme

Minimum commitment = 1 x 4 hour shift per week

Various shifts available :  Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm