NGH Volunteer

Job overview

Volunteering with us is a chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of our patients and families. By giving your time, you will help improve care, support our staff, and make every day brighter for those who need it most.

Why volunteer?

• Help patients and visitors feel welcome and supported.
• Give back to your community and the NHS.
• Join a warm, friendly team of volunteers.

About the roles:

• All roles are based Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Volunteer opportunities:

• Ward Volunteer
• Response Volunteer

Your commitment:

Just 3–4 hours a week can make a real impact. A regular commitment is required. If you cannot commit to weekly volunteering please look out for future opportunities.

Main duties of the job

Ward Volunteer

• Spend time with patients, offering friendly conversation and a listening ear
• Chat/read with patients who may not have visitors
• Support with hydration by offering drinks, refilling water jugs, and encouraging patients to drink
• Read to patients who may struggle to read themselves or simply enjoy being read to
• Notice and support patients who may feel lonely or anxious
• Create moments of calm, reassurance, and connection

Response Volunteer

• A caring nature and good listening skills
• Patience, reliability, and empathy
• A friendly, approachable manner
• Respect for confidentiality
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek support

• Collecting and delivering notes / swabs / medication / equipment & running errands from various departments / wards
• Supporting our clinics - providing drinks for patients, supporting staff with signposting information for patients
• Providing a courtesy ‘Meet & Greet’ service (wheelchair training required) to support people to their appointments
• Operating a library service to wards
• Assist with wellbeing rounds, offering drinks to patients on wards
• Guide people around the hospital and be proactive in assisting anyone who may be lost or need help (floating guide)
• Take the Brew Buddy (drinks trolley) out to support staff wellbeing

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

How to apply:

• Clearly state the role you are applying for in your application in supporting information  – if you do not specify the preferred, sadly we cannot process your application.
• Tell us which day and shift time (between Monday and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) you are available.
• We receive many applications but can only accept a limited number of volunteers, so including all requested information is essential.
• We receive many applications but can only accept a limited number of volunteers, so including all requested information is essential.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Build connections with patients and other volunteers
• Use your life experience to support those who need companionship
• Gain fulfilment from helping others feel seen, heard, and supported
• Be part of a warm, inclusive and supportive team

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us on 01604 52 3159 to arrange an appointment with the team.

For Full details and responsibilities of the role, please see attached job description and person specification