Dining Companion Volunteer

Please note: We are accepting applications for Kingston Hospital & Teddington Memorial Hospital. We are particularly looking for applicants with availability to cover lunchtime shifts from 12-3pm.

When applying please inform us of which hospital you are applying for.

Nutrition is a key element of recovery for our patients, and many of them are elderly, or have dementia, and need physical assistance with feeding. As a Dining Companion, you will be assisting ward staff and patients during mealtimes, which includes feeding some patients who need extra help.

We aim to have Dining Companions in every medical ward for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. To support this, we ask volunteers to commit to one mealtime every week on a regular basis, for a minimum of six month. If you can give more time, we welcome this.

Essential Information:

If you are interested in more than 1 role, please submit your application on your initial preference (other roles can be discussed at assessment).

Please kindly note, you will be given a 20-minute assessment on the week commencing either the 18th May at Kingston Hospital.

The Mandatory training for this role will be on Thursday 18th  March 2026.

Please only apply if you are able to attend the above dates.

Please can you ensure you provide details for 2 references (one of which you have known for over 3 years) It is essential you provide an email address for each reference when submitting your application. Please note – you can provide a family friend but not a relative.

Please ensure to bring the below I.D documents to your assessment otherwise we will not be able to proceed with your assessment on the day.

A minimum of THREE individual forms of valid, current, and original identification are required. Please bring one document from group one (below) AND two documents from group two (Below):

Group One:

• UK Passport
• EEA/Swiss Passport
• Other passport with indefinite leave to remain
• Other Passport
• Biometric Residence permit
• Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
• Current EU Photo Driving Licence
• EU national identity card - EU only

Group Two:

• Driving Licence photo card (UK, IOM or CI)
• Current EU Photo Driving Licence
• Driving licence - old-style paper licence (must be UK)
• Bank statement (UK/EEA) - less than 3 months old
• Utility bill - less than 3 months old (UK)
• Utility bill - 2nd Supplier - less than 3 months old
• Council Tax Statement – issued in the last 12 months
• Mortgage statement (UK or EEA) must be a recognised lender and issued in the last 12 months.

NB: If you are aged 16 - 19 years, in full time education and you are unable to provide two documents from group 2 above, the following ID options can be used:

• Full UK birth certificate (A4 size original , not photocopy, containing mother and fathers details)

• Letter from head teacher or college principal, confirming you are a student and containing your name, current address and date of birth, PLUS either an official exam certificate in your name or a National Insurance number letter.

If you are unable to or have difficulty in providing the above evidence, please give us a call on 0208 934 3620 / 2549