Adult volunteering applications re-open 02/11/2026
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer. To manage the high number of applications we receive for adult volunteering, we are currently closed for adult volunteering applications until 02/11/2026. This is to support us to interview and onboard volunteers who have recently applied. We encourage you to submit your application when we re-open our opportunities, which will re-open on the date above. To support with the flow of applications, any adult applications received when our recruitment window is closed will be rejected and you will need to re-apply when we re-open.
All of our student opportunities remain open during this time, as such if this is the opportunity you wish to apply for and you fit within the student criteria please continue with your application.
If you are aged 16-19, in education, or a university/post graduate student, please apply via our Student Volunteering Programme application form.
Should you have any questions about volunteering during this time please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Process
On receipt of your application we will arrange for you to come along to talk about the options further. At this point we will take up your references.
If successful after interview, you will be required to complete a DBS check and undergo health screening, which will all be online.
Once this is all complete, you will receive access to our e-learning modules, which require completing before starting.
The whole process can take up to 2 months from submitting your application to starting in a role.
Commitment
For your guidance, we ask for a regular commitment for a minimum of 6 months. 3-4 hours per week or sessions as part of a rota is usual.
See the range of opportunities we are currently recruiting for below. These roles are regularly reviewed and updated so if you don't see anything that interests you today, please do check back again later.
I would like to volunteer
Get Social
Volunteer Opportunities
Admin Support Community Teams
Volunteers to offer support to the Community Team in either Mildenhall or Sudbury with agreed admin tasks and helping with unpacking stock.
Volunteers required at days and times to suit the volunteer
Bleep Volunteers
Bleep volunteers are able to deliver medications from Pharmacy to the wards supporting the flow of patients through the hospital. This role requires volunteers to do a lot of walking.
Availability
Every other Friday afternoon 1pm - 4pm
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
Volunteers assist our Chaplains to provide a Chaplaincy for everyone – regardless of faith or belief, and undertake a variety of roles in the department.
Roles include supporting Chaplaincy staff, visiting patients on the wards, welcoming visitors to the Chapel and being a listening ear to staff.
Check In Kiosk - Eye Treatment Centre
NEW ROLE
Check In Kiosk - Eye Treatment Centre
To provide a welcoming environment, supporting patients to use the self check in kiosks for those attending appointments in the Eye Treatment Centre.
Volunteers are required
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 4pm
Digital Support Point Volunteer
New Role
Digital Support Point (DSP) Volunteer
To support patients, carers and visitors to access and use Trust digital services confidently and independently. The role aims to reduce digital exclusion and improve access to healthcare services by offering practical, person-centred support with digital systems used across West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
Volunteer Required
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Friends of the West Suffolk Hospital Shop
The Friends of West Suffolk Hospital support the hospital through fundraising. The Friends Shop provides shopping facilities in the main entrance of West Suffolk Hospital, proceeds from which are 'gifted' back to our hospital. A ward trolley service for patients to purchase items is also provided.
Current availability: Tuesday 8.30am - 1pm, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 4.30pm - 8pm also weekdays 11am - 2pm for general support.
Saturday availability also
Trolley volunteers also needed on a variety of days and times
Health Records Support
New Role
To support the Health Records team to ensure that the required information is prepared ahead of appointments by pulling address labels from ECare.
Volunteer required Monday, Friday for 4 hours per day.
Integrated Paediatric Community Services St Helen's House Ipswich
New Role
To assist the ICPS team by supporting the reception service, enabling a welcoming environment for patients. Assisting with basic administrative tasks, helping ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This role will support reception and other colleagues more widely within St Helen’s house. Providing additional capacity to build on staffing structures already in place, who will be able to support volunteers to provide an enhanced experience for patients.
Volunteer Required
Minimum of half a day a week.
Medical Equipment Library
New Role
Medical Equipment Library
Volunteers will support with the smooth flow of equipment coming in and going out from the equipment library.
Volunteer Required
10am - 2pm weekdays
Newmarket Community Hospital
This is an important role for volunteers who spend time with patients on Rosemary Ward talking, listening, tidying and providing non-nursing help and support to staff. Volunteers also assist with giving out meals, opening any food packaging, cutting food into manageable pieces and ensuring patients can access their food.
Current availability: a variety of days and times.
Pain And DVT Clinic
Volunteers welcome patients to the Pain and DVT Clinic, checking they are in the correct location and providing a point of contact between staff and patients while they are in the Pain and DVT Clinic waiting area.
Current availability: Friday mornings.
Radiology
Volunteers escort Radiology patients within the radiology department to the various waiting areas, supporting patient flow. They assist patients to prepare for their examination if required and gather feedback.
Volunteer required a Friday afternoon
Therapies Outpatient Volunteer
New Role
The main function of volunteers in this area is to support Therapy staff and patients by welcoming, directing, and escorting patients to the waiting area improving patient flow and patient experience.
Volunteers Required
Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Wards
This is an important role for volunteers who spend time with patients on our wards talking, listening, tidying, shopping and providing non-nursing help and support to staff. Volunteers also assist with giving out meals, opening any food packaging, cutting food into manageable pieces and ensuring patients can access their food. This role is also available on our Maternity Ward.
Current availability: a variety of days and times
Student Volunteering Programme
Our student volunteer programme is an excellent opportunity for sixth form and college students to regularly volunteer on a busy ward helping ward staff and patients at mealtimes. This is especially useful for any student considering a career in healthcare or hoping to study medicine at university.
We also offer the opportunity for students to volunteer within our dedicated Friends Shop.
Students will be required to commit to 50 hours volunteering (at least a two hour session once a week, until 50 hours are completed). This allows students to become a valuable member of the ward team, giving them an immersive and rewarding volunteer experience, while avoiding students having to volunteer during their school exams.
We offer approximately 30 placements a year. You must be aged 16+. Apply now!
