Volunteer

Job summary

As a volunteer at our Trust, you will work alongside clinical and non-clinical teams to enhance the patient experience. There are numerous volunteer roles across the Trust - please review attached job descriptions for current volunteer opportunities. A volunteer enhances the care provided by our teams by providing friendly support to patients and their families. Assisting patients and staff with daily activities and tasks, supporting patients with care and treatment plans and always maintaining confidentiality and dignity.

As a volunteer you will communicate with a variety of people so good communication and interpersonal skills are essential as well as a caring and empathetic respectful attitude.

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who have a commitment to provide the best care to our patients and families.

Being a Trust volunteer is extremely rewarding it can not only provide a sense of accomplishment but it can provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience in the healthcare setting, so whether you are studying or reconsidering your career or you just want to support your community come and join us you will receive a full induction and ongoing support in your new role.

Main duties of the job

All volunteer roles should uphold the values and standards of the organisation

As a volunteer you will be expected to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months

You will be expected to undertake training prior to volunteering and maintain compliance in annual online training and 3 monthly reviews to allow you to remain safe whilst working in the Trust

Each volunteer role is different we expect all volunteers to be friendly, helpful and provide support to patients, visitors and their families within the volunteer role boundaries. To find out more about these roles please review the roles descriptions above or alternatively visit our website. Here you will find in-depth information about the different Volunteering roles at STSFT.

Navigator roles include supporting with meeting and greeting patients and visitors to wards or hospital sites and contribute to making it a positive and welcoming environment, helping to direct patients through the hospital environments.

Ward Helper roles i.e. ward helper, discharge support, dementia friend will include assisting in preparing patients for mealtimes, tidying space and supporting patients with hand hygiene Help with offering reassurance and companionship through a friendly conversation or activities i.e. reading to patients playing games and doing puzzles. Tiding patients bed spaces. Tidying and restocking information racks and notice boards, linen cupboards under guidance of ward staff

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

• Date posted: 14 September 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: Depending on experience Voluntary position - there is no payment for this role.
• Contract: Voluntary
• Duration: 6 months
• Working pattern: Flexible working
• Reference number: C9155-VOL-AC-0926-16
• Job locations: Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom, Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, Sunderland, SR1 3AE, United Kingdom, South Tyneside District Hospital, Harton Lane, South Shields, NE34 0PL, United Kingdom, St Benedict's Hospice, Sunderland, SR2 0NY, United Kingdom, Houghton Primary Care Centre, Houghton-le-spring, Sunderland, DH4 5GU, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Patient experience roles will include improving patient experience by gathering feedback supporting with friends and family questionnaires. Collecting and delivering miscellaneous items between departments.

Radio Role includes visit wards to collect music requests, assisting patients with bedside media and Wi-Fi access there are also opportunities are also available within the radio studio, including programme production, presenting, technical operation.

Hospice volunteers support on the ward and the day unit. The main duty of the Hospice Ward Volunteer is to assist the nursing team with serving food and drinks to patients.

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR EACH ROLE.