Volunteers can help in a variety of roles from meeting and greeting visitors to coordinating activities for our patients, befriending, gardening, admin support and everything in between. Whether you are looking to gain skills and experience through volunteering that will support your career aspirations or you simply wish to fill your spare time by doing something meaningful to help others, if you have great people skills and a sense of commitment we would welcome you to apply.
Shortly after moving to the U.K, Zunaira Zafar joined NELFT as a volunteer in April 2025 supporting our Voluntary Services Team. Zunaira was keen to continue building her administrative and office management skills. When the opportunity to volunteer with NELFT became available, Zanaira felt this was the right step, using her administrative experience while contributing to something meaningful.
Zunaira supports the team with administrative tasks and keeps the service organised behind the scenes. She said: “Though I’m not in a public-facing role, I know my work helps others, and that gives me a real sense of purpose”.
Aligning closely with NELFT’s values, she added: “I’ve connected with NELFT’s culture so naturally. The kindness, professionalism, and teamwork I see every day reflect the values I’ve always believed in. It made me feel welcomed and motivated to give my best.”
Volunteering provides an exciting opportunity to boost employability skills and build confidence, preparing volunteers for their next career step within the NHS or elsewhere.
NELFT has since launched a series of ‘volunteer career progression workshops’ which are designed to equip our dedicated volunteers with helpful tools for their career journey. The 2-part workshop hosted by the NELFT recruitment team, provides guidance on job applications, skills mapping, and interview techniques.
“Overall, volunteering here has helped me grow, reminded me of the skills I have, and given me more confidence in what I can achieve. I’ve also met some wonderful people and built connections I value. I'm glad to be part of a team that is making a difference.”
We accept applications for those aged 16 or older except Mental Health settings where the age is 18 or older.
Please note:
We are at present only processing applications for advertised roles in the Volunteer Opportunities section. If your interest is for one of these please note this in your application by ticking the relevant box where shown on the application form. We are not taking applications for general volunteering.
WARD SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for a number of people to assist as Ward Support Volunteers in our inpatient wards at Mountnessing Court, Billericay, Essex.
Mountnessing Court has busy Intermediate care wards which provide rehabilitation to patients over the age of 18. The wards provide physical rehabilitation to patients to foster independence and to increase mobility.
In order to enhance services and service user experience we are hoping to recruit volunteers to assist in facilitating the group programme on the ward. Providing activities which are of interest to our service users and or helps build their skills will aid their recovery. Volunteering in this role would include the following tasks:
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Ward Support Volunteers need to be:
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If you wish to discuss this role prior to application either:
email: volunteer@nelft.nhs.uk
Or call 0300 555 1201 x 57179
ST GEORGES HEALTH & WELLBEING HUB VOLUNTEERS
St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub Hornchurch, Essex will provide care and support for around 250,000 people living in Havering and the surrounding areas.
The modern, purpose-built Hub will transform the way health and care is delivered. Providing high-quality, joined up services all in one place it will help people live well for longer now and in the future.
The seven-days-a-week Hub will ultimately provide easy access to a range of health, social care and community services all under one roof, including GP services, outpatient clinics, mental health services, community care and diagnostic facilities such as blood testing, MRI, X-Ray, CT, ultrasound scans and earlier cancer diagnosis.
By bringing together a mix of health and care professionals in one place people will be able to get a range of different support from the NHS, the council and local voluntary and community groups all in one visit
It will also provide space for local voluntary and community groups to deliver a range of activities to support people’s wider health and wellbeing needs, as well as a community café, multi-purpose education and meeting spaces and a sensory, dementia-friendly communal garden.
We will be keeping patients and the community informed as services open at the hub.
We are recruiting a number of volunteers for the Hub and can cover the following shifts across all 7 days (Monday to Sunday) with three shifts: 8am - 12pm, 12 - 4pm and 4 - 8pm
In order to enhance services and patient / visitor experience volunteering in this role would include the following tasks:
- To support patients and visitors to feel at ease, by welcoming them, directing or escorting them to their location.
- To act as the main point of contact at the information/help desks by offering a welcoming and professional service to our patients, visitors and staff by generally being a friendly face for all to see.
- Help patients and visitors to self-check in at their designated destination and log car registration for parking.
- To provide reassurance, information or advice on the local community-based services available to patients and visitors by supporting them to access the Joy App.
- Support and befriending patients who may feel isolated or anxious to feel at ease by offering companionship
- To support visitors and relatives wishing to give feedback regarding their experience whilst engaging services at St George's via the friends and family surveys.
Mayfield Ward Support Volunteer
Role Task: General patient interaction and being able to facilitate some recreational groups
Skills Required: Enthusiastic and keen to work with geriatric older adults in inpatient rehabilitation unit
Dress Code: Professional suitable for inpatient work.
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Role Title: |
Befriender Volunteer |
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Responsible to: |
Ward Manager |
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Where: |
Essex - Billericay, Brentwood & Thurrock |
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When: |
Days of the week: Monday - Sunday Hours: 10:00 am – 20:00 pm
Please note: volunteering hours are not to exceed 6 hours per day and 3 days per week |
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Commitment: |
Minimum of 9 months commitment is required |
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Role Tasks: |
1. Introduce yourself to the patients. 2. Establish and build befriending relationships with patients. 3. Encourage conversation so it is a social occasion. 4. Spend time listening, talking and engaging in activities with the patients. 5. Ensure appropriate boundaries are maintained. |
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Skills Required: |
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Dress Code: |
Smart, casual and comfortable. No open toed shoes to be worn and no jewellery/watches.
Please do not take bags onto the wards.
ALL WARDS ARE PLASTIC BAG FREE ZONES. |
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What’s in it for you: |
This role is for you if:
You enjoy giving and spending time with people and like to give back to the community.
If you would like to gain experience as a befriender within an NHS environment.
******PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE ROLE******
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Why we want you: |
The expectation of this post holder will be to support their team, department and organisation to achieve the Trust’s Values in their day-to-day work.
These are: ● We are kind ● We are respectful ● We work together with our communities
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Support / Training |
To participate in relevant training |
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Expenses |
All volunteers will be provided with reasonable travel expenses. Travel cost will be from home to volunteering role base and return on submission of receipts. Meal allowance of up to a maximum of £5 per day will be reimbursed on submission of receipts for any volunteering shift that exceeds more than 4 hours in any one day.
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Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities |
Volunteers must abide by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust policies on Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities
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Recruitment Process |
Application Form Interview References Occupational Health Check DBS check Trust Induction / Mandatory Training Trial period |
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Contact Information |
For more information regarding this role please contact: Name: Clair Moughton Email: Volunteer@nelft.nhs.uk Tel: 0300 555 1201
For general enquiries regarding volunteering with NELFT please contact: Name: Clair Moughton – Voluntary Services Manager Email: volunteer@nelft.nhs.uk Tel: 0300 555 1201 |
Volunteer Role Description
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Role Title: |
Volunteer Delivery Driver |
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Responsible to: |
Edith |
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Where: |
Essex |
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Billericay, Brentwood, Thurrock, Southend and Mid Essex |
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When: |
Days of the week: As agreed with the candidate. Hours: As agreed with the candidate
Please note: volunteering hours are not to exceed 4 hours per day and 3 days per week |
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Commitment: |
Minimum of 6 months commitment is required |
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Role Tasks: |
Applicants must ensure you have a full UK drivers licence and can produce a current valid certificate of insurance for your vehicle.
You will be paid mileage, this will be claimed back monthly. You will need to keep a log of your mileage each shift from home to base, any journeys then back home. You will be asked to send these into our team monthly. |
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Skills Required: |
English, Full Valid UK drivers licence, Certificate of insurance |
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Dress Code: |
Smart comfortable |
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What’s in it for you: |
This role is for you if: Whether you are returning to work after a break or this is your first role, we will equip you with all the tools and experience you need to progress your career.
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Why we want you: |
The expectation of this post holder will be to support their team, department and organisation to achieve the Trust’s Values in their day-to-day work.
These are: ● We are kind ● We are respectful ● We work together with our communities
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Support / Training |
To participate in relevant training |
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Expenses |
All volunteers will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred while undertaking their volunteering duties. Travel costs will be covered for journeys between the volunteer’s home and their designated volunteering location, upon submission of valid receipts. Volunteers may also claim a meal allowance of up to £5 per day for any volunteering shift that exceeds four hours in a single day, with receipts required for reimbursement. |
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Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities |
Volunteers must abide by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust policies on Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities
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Recruitment Process |
Application Form Interview References Occupational Health Check DBS check Trust Induction / Training Trial period |
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Contact Information |
For more information regarding this role please contact: Name: Clair Moughton Email: Clair.Moughton@nelft.nhs.uk Tel: 0300 555 1201
For general enquiries regarding volunteering with NELFT please contact: Name: Clair Moughton – Voluntary Services Manager Email: volunteer@nelft.nhs.uk Tel: 0300 555 1201 Ext. 54458 |
For further information please use the following link:
