Volunteer or fundraise

Can you spare a few hours a week to put something back into your local community? 

Interested in a career in the NHS and want to know what it's like?

Why not become a volunteer?

You will gain valuable knowledge and experience of working in a healthcare setting.

Among a host of activities, you could:

  • Help on the wards
  • Meet and greet patients and visitors and show them where they need to go
  • Help out behind the scenes with admin tasks
  • Become involved in fundraising for the Trust

You can also volunteer to become a patient's buddy. Read more about this  Hospital Buddy Scheme.

How much time do volunteers have to give?

It's up to you. We ask for a minimum of four hours per week with a regular commitment of six months.

A wide range of people from different ages and backgrounds offer their time to help patients and visitors at our hospitals. We work hard to match the right person to the right volunteering opportunity.

Prospective volunteers are invited to attend an open morning and an informal interview, they are also required to provide two references and health and criminal records clearance.

What qualities do we look for in a volunteer?

  • a warm, friendly personality
  • being comfortable approaching people to offer assistance
  • good communication skills 
  • reliability and commitment to the work of the volunteer services department.

What will you receive?

  • training for the role
  • the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends 
  • a voucher towards your  meal, if working four hours or more on any given day
  • annual “thank you” party and summer outing
  • long service awards
  • certificate for 100 hours or more

More information

The Trust has a positive approach to volunteering. It can provide people with a gateway to employment, as some people who have been out of work a long time find volunteering a really helpful way to build confidence.

Some people even benefit from learning skills which can help them in returning to work. Evidence for future employers of regular volunteering experience for six months or more can be helpful to those returning to work after a long gap.

There are many rewards, from meeting new people through to being able to enjoy the experience of giving. Many visitors/patients to the hospital are vulnerable and in need of assistance in many different ways. Being able to show consideration, empathy and of kindness for others, may bring balance, perspective and fulfilment to your own life.

Are there any age limits?

We take volunteers aged 18 and above. There is no upper age limit on volunteers, they just need to be medically fit enough for their role.

Contact details

If you feel that you have the qualities to help as a volunteer, click  here to see what volunteer roles are available (a special box about volunteer roles will appear on that page whenever such roles are available). Thank you.

For more information:

Telephone: 020 8401 3436 Monday - Friday, 09.00 - 17.00

There is an answer phone system in operation on this number or you can email ch-tr.volunteers@nhs.net.