Thanks for your interest in volunteering at ESNEFT. We've included a lot of information about our volunteering opportunities and our selection criteria on this page. Please read through all information prior to applying and only apply if you meet the requirements stated, taking note of the commitment we ask for and the location of each role. We also ask you to apply for one role only – applications for multiple roles will not be considered.
Do you have a positive outlook?
Are you willing to help others and provide a professional service to our patients and visitors?
Do you hold a current and valid, full driving licence and did you pass your driving test over 5 years ago?
If you answered yes to all of these, we would love to hear from you as we are looking for additional drivers for our Electric Vehicles which operate inside Ipswich Hospital.
For those who struggle with mobility, getting from the hospital entrance to an appointment in a clinic or department is not always straight forward. Volunteers in this role provide the solution.
Driving one of our electric vehicles (named Albert and Victoria) in the corridors of the hospital, our volunteers collect patients from various pick up points to ensure they arrive at their appointment - safely and on time.
Although our vehicles only operate within the hospital buildings, to volunteer for this role you must hold a current and valid, full UK driving licence which you have held for at least 5 years. You will also need to be available to cover a minimum of one shift per week.
Current shifts available from 9am-4pm, Monday-Thursday.
If you're looking for a role with lots of social interaction this could be the one for you.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can available 9am-1pm or 1-4pm on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
Are you comfortable in a busy environment?
Do you like being on your feet, walking and talking to people?
Are you interested in seeing how a pharmacy works from the background?
If you answered yes to all of these then our Pharmacy team would love to hear from you.
Get your steps in by collecting Medication from our Pharmacy and delivering them to our grateful clinical teams on the wards. Pharmacy Runners do not just immensely speed up the discharge process for our patients but daily save our clinical colleagues time so they can do what they do best: looking after our patients.
Being part of the pharmacy team, you would help to deliver a great service across the hospital, so give that treadmill a miss and get that feelgood smile after your shift knowing that yours steps are making a difference to your community.
Current shifts are available Monday 1-5pm, Wednesday 5-7pm, Thursday 8am-1pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Are you comfortable in a busy environment?
Do you have good attention to detail skills?
Are you interested in seeing how a pharmacy works from the background?
If you answered yes to all of these then our Pharmacy team would love to meet you. We are looking for volunteers to assist in the smooth running of the department, supporting the outpatient and delivery team staff.
The Pharmacy Department is at the front of healthcare delivery with a strong focus on medicines management and innovative pharmaceutical practice.
Being part of the pharmacy team, you would help to deliver a great service across the hospital by.
If you have a positive attitude and computer skills then this could be the role for you.
Current shifts available are Monday, Thursday & Friday 12:30–5pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
Are you a good team player?
Do you like talking to others?
Are you passionate about about supporting parents from all backgrounds?
If you answered yes to all of these, our Maternity team would love to meet you.
Colchester Maternity department are currently seeking volunteers to come in and provide much needed support to our patients and staff by:
Current shifts are available Thursdays 9am-1pm. Please note this role is out in the the community, not at the hospital itself.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you are free on Thursday mornings, please complete our Expression of Interest Form on the link below and we will be in touch.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Our Occupational Therapy team at Stow Lodge are looking for a volunteer who loves gardening, and who can share their passion for gardening to help patients enjoy gardening again. We need someone who enjoys working with others, who enjoys helping people become fitter and stronger again by doing something they enjoy – gardening! We need someone to support our therapy team to facilitate a rewarding and enjoyable gardening group. It is a therapeutic gardening group based at the Stow Lodge, for local patients of the community services.
The aim of the group is to support and encourage attendees to participate in any way they can with gardening activities. The goal is to improve patients balance and general health by participating gardening activities that they enjoy.If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of this role it is open to over 18s only.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of this role it is open to over 17s only.
Are you friendly, with a caring and compassionate nature?
Do you have good, adaptive communication skills?
If you answered yes to all of these, our DXA & MCAS team would love to meet you.
We have a new opportunity for volunteers to assist the patient flow within the busy DXA & MCAS department at Ipswich hospital by:
Current shifts are available between 9am and 12:30pm Tuesday-Thursday.
This is a busy role which includes general admin tasks within the department so if you think your skillset lies in admin but would like some patient contact and you can spare 3.5 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of this role it is open to over 18s only.
Do you have a good eye for detail?
Do you have access to your own email address and a commitment to meeting deadlines?
If you answered yes to all of the above our Libraries and Digital Learning Services would love to meet you.
ESNEFT are seeking volunteers to support staff and ensure our patients feel confident in their treatment choices by:
This would play an essential part in allowing patients to make informed health decisions and take control of their healthcare journey.
This role provides a flexible opportunity for those with more limited time and those who may wish to support the Trust without attending any of our hospitals.
We would like volunteers from a range of different backgrounds to enable us to take into account feedback from as wide a population as possible.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Is your dog a registered therapy dog?
Are you looking for a new placement for your therapy dog?
If you answered yes to all of these, our staff would love to meet you.
At ESNEFT we are looking for registered therapy dogs to visit our wards and departments. We currently work with both Pets As Therapy and Essex Therapy Dogs (providing your dog isn't raw meat fed). We are seeking volunteers and their therapy dogs to:
Volunteers can help to improve the patient experience through animal assisted interventions as part of a holistic approach to treatment. Providing conversation and stimulation – being a listening ear for patients’ worries and anxieties.
Volunteers will need to work in partnership with staff to help to improve the patient & carer experience through co-design & proactive involvement – engaging with patients & carers on a one-to-one basis through ward and clinic visits.
You will be required to maintain therapy registration for your dog throughout the whole period you are volunteering with us and be required to provide proof of registration.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Weekend and evening availability is limited so please check before applying by emailing Volunteers@esneft.nhs.uk.
Would you like to experience a busy NHS ward?
Can you provide emotional reassurance and practical support to ensure the best possible patient experience during a stressful time?
Can you think on your feet and use your own initiative, as well as being a friendly face to put our most vulnerable patients at ease?
If you answered yes to all of these, our ward teams would love to meet you.
Our wards are seeking volunteers make a real difference to the hospital experience. In this varied role you will be supporting our ward staff by:
Whether you would like to give something back or are looking for experience to boost your CV or higher education application - this is a great role. It provides you with experience in a clinical environment, can boost your confidence and help to develop your communication skills.
Shifts available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday at all sites.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Do you have a positive outlook?
Are you willing to help others and provide a professional service to our patients and visitors?
Do you have good knowledge of the hospital or do you find it easy to find your way in new environments?
If you answered yes to all of these, we would love to meet you.
Have you ever been lost in a busy environment where everyone else seems to know where to go? That's the way it can feel to our patients and visitors when moving through the hospital. Clacton, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals are seeking volunteers who can make a big difference to all our patients and visitors. Our Welcome Service Volunteers are amongst the most visible volunteers in the building and get involved in much more than pointing people in the right direction. From finding lost relatives in the carpark to assisting patients with wheelchairs… no day is like the other. You could help us by:
Shift availability varies across locations so please email Volunteers@esneft.nhs.uk to find out what is available before applying. Shifts generally fall between 8am-5pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Weekend and evening availability is limited so please check before applying by emailing Volunteers@esneft.nhs.uk.
Would you say your skills and experience lend yourself to an admin based role?
Are you organised and able to prioritise workload?
Do you have a good level of computer and IT skills?
If you answered yes to all of these, we would like to meet you.
We are currently seeking volunteers at all sites to come in and support our admin with the all important but often unsung background work that goes with every patient we see by:
Various role are available we try to match you up with the right role for you.
Our admin roles are only available Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Are you empathetic and supportive towards others?
Can you provide emotional reassurance and practical support to ensure the best possible patient experience during a stressful time?
Can you think on your feet and use your own initiative, as well as being a friendly face to put our most vulnerable patients at ease?
If you answered yes to all of these, our Renal Dialysis teams would love to meet you.
ESNEFT Renal Dialysis Units are currently seeking volunteers to come in and provide much needed support to our patients and staff by:
This would be the perfect role if you like seeing the same patients each week. This is a unique opportunity to witness treatment methods and increase awareness in an area that will affect most people at some point in life.
Currently shifts are available at the following locations.
Aldeburgh & Ipswich Hospitals, Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8am-5pm.
Clacton Hospital, Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm.
Colchester Hospital, Monday 12:30-5pm & Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form after checking shift availability and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of the role, this is open to applicants over the age of 18.
Are you friendly, with a caring and compassionate nature?
Can you provide emotional reassurance and practical support to ensure the best possible patient experience during a stressful time?
If you answered yes to all of these, our Ophthalmology team at Ipswich would love to meet you.
Our Ophthalmology team are seeking volunteers to assist the patient flow within the Ophthalmology department (Eye Clinic) by supporting staff to:
Full training will be provided provided by the department.
Current shifts are available are Tuesday & Friday 9am-4pm & Wednesday & Thursday 12:30-4pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of this role it is open to over 18s only.
Would you like to make a difference to a patients hospital stay by giving them a voice?
Do you have adaptive communication skills?
Do you like to meet and talk to new people?
If you answered yes to all of these, our nursing teams would love to meet you.
Colchester & Ipswich Hospital's are looking for volunteers to support and aid the staff to provide person centred care to those patients who are living with dementia by:
Currently shifts are available at the following locations.
Colchester Hospital, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am-2pm.
Ipswich Hospital, Monday-Friday 10am-2pm.
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of this role it is open to over 18s only.
Would you like to play a crucial role in supporting patients in a fast-paced environment?
Can you provide emotional reassurance and practical support to ensure the best possible patient experience during a stressful time?
Can you think on your feet and use your own initiative, as well as being a friendly face to put our most vulnerable patients at ease?
If you answered yes to all of these, our A&E team would love to meet you.
Our A&E departments are currently seeking volunteers to come in and provide much-needed support to our patients and staff by:
Currently shifts are available at the following locations.
Colchester Hospital - Monday, Thursday & Friday 10am-10pm & Tuesday & Wednesday 2-10pm. Some weekend availability but please check before applying by emailing Volunteers@esneft.nhs.uk to check.
Ipswich Hospital - Please check before applying by emailing Volunteers@esneft.nhs.uk.
A message from Kieran, Colchester A&E Volunteer.
"I wanted a fast-paced and interesting role so specifically asked to volunteer in A&E.
I really enjoy chatting to the patients, particularly those who are on their own. They are all so grateful and appreciate the fact that you're able to spend time with them, as sometimes just having a conversation can make a big difference."
If this sounds like something you'd like to try and you can spare 2-4 hours on the same time/day each week, please complete our Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch on the link below.
https://forms.office.com/e/BJWMF0PTvY
Due to the nature of A&E this role is open to over 18s only.
The ESNEFT Community staff would like some support regarding creating therapy resources such as communication boards and picture aids, stock taking of the resources and organising and maintaining the equipment cupboard. They are based at The Crescent Severalls Business Park Colchester not at the hospital and would like 1 day a week support, or once a fortnight. Experience using Word, PowerPoint and emails.
Important Information About Volunteering at ESNEFT
The types of roles that we offer and their minimum commitments
We offer three main types of roles. As part of the application process, you will be asked to select one type of role you are most interested in. These roles are:
1. Ward-based roles supporting inpatients: We ask for a regular commitment of the same time/day each week for a minimum of 6 months. We recommend one shift per week, for 2-4 hours.
2. Roles supporting outpatients, and welcoming and guiding: We ask for a regular commitment of the same time/day each week for a minimum of six months. We recommend one shift per week, for 2-4 hours.
3. More specific support and administrative roles: We ask for a regular commitment of the same time/day each week for a minimum of six months. We recommend one shift per week, for 2-4 hours.
Ad-hoc roles: These are available in specific departments but ad-hoc shifts cannot be offered within the roles listed above.
Youth volunteering: If you are aged 16-17 years (or 18 years if still in sixth form/college) we have a special youth volunteering programme offering a summer scheme, after school and weekend opportunities. The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years. All placements are for a minimum of 50 hours.
We need our volunteers to be proactive and resourceful. Whilst we recognise that parents/carers want to support their young person - allowing them the freedom to complete this process independently provides the best opportunity to learn skills for the future. With this in mind we will only liaise directly with applicants themselves unless there is a prior agreement in place.
Looking for work experience, internships, or clinical placements? We are sorry but we are unable to advise on work experience, internships or clinical placements. To find further information on work experience please refer to the ESNEFT website here.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community, learn new skills, and connect with others. It can be incredibly fulfilling, and we are grateful to those who generously donate their time and expertise. However, it’s essential to recognize that while volunteering has many benefits, it isn’t always a direct gateway to paid work and the voluntary services team cannot advise on any paid roles within ESNEFT. Please click here for further information on paid employment.
The process of becoming a volunteer at ESNEFT
On average it can take 6 to 8 weeks to go through this process and start volunteering with us. If you’re applying for ward based roles we may be able to arrange further taster shifts during the registration process.
Do you need additional support to volunteer? Please let us know by sending a message to volunteering@esneft.nhs.uk. We can arrange time for a chat.
Is hospital volunteering right for you? Before you apply to volunteer, it is really important that you take into account that hospital volunteering can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you have recently, or are currently dealing with any kind of medical diagnosis either yourself, as a relative or close friend this may not be the best time for you to volunteer in a hospital. Specifically – if you or someone you are close to has been affected by cancer, we ask that you leave a period of two years before applying.
At East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) we provide hospital and community health care services for Colchester, Ipswich and local areas.
Our mission is to continue to meet the principles of the NHS identified in 1948, that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
