There are lots of things!
Please download our Volunteering leaflet (pictured right) to find out more.
There is no upper age limit, so long as you are reasonably fit.
Just being able to give your time and wanting to help is what we need.
Often something as simple as a cheery disposition is just what we are looking for.
Volunteers undertake a number of different roles and their work is shaped by the skills and knowledge that they bring; enhancing and extending the professional care given to patients.
All volunteers are recruited in a similar way to paid staff, which includes the need for occupational health screening, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly CRB) checks and attending any necessary training
This will include an informal 'interview' with members of the Voluntary Services Team.
We do this so that we can get to know you and find a suitable role, as well as giving you a chance to ask any questions.
You will be required to fill out a health questionnaire, and depending on your answers, you may need a medical.
Do I have to be able to give a lot of time?
At least three hours per week.
We're grateful for all the time you spare, but it works better for most roles if you can give a regular time commitment.
Placements are for a minimum of six months.
Flexibility can be discussed at your interview.
All volunteers are required to be checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in order to protect the vulnerable adults and children we deal with.
All volunteers are asked to complete mandatory training online. Further training is given for certain roles, such as the feeding team.
Refresher training is required annually.
We have a variety of placement opportunities so we always need volunteers, but we do have a duty to recruit and place volunteers in a way which ensures safety for all concerned.
We will do our best to match you with a suitable role.
However, there are also areas where placements are limited and quickly filled, such as maternity, paediatrics and physiotherapy, so it is worth checking if you have a specific choice of placement area.
No, each voluntary role has a clear description, which is agreed before you start.
If you have any more questions, please contact us.
Please contact us at gwh.webmaster@nhs.net and we'll put it right.
© 2020 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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