Cassel Summer Conference  - support onsite during a morning and/or afternoon

Date: Friday 26th June 2026

Location: The Cassel Hospital

Address: 1 Ham Common, Richmond, TW10 7JF

Timings: 09:00 – 13:00   and/or  13:00 – 17:00

Volunteers: up to 6 volunteers per shift

Who will see the difference? Anyone interested in working with complex emotional needs patients in teams and institutions.

Donald Winnicott introduced the idea of transitional space as an intermediate area between inner psychic reality, largely based on phantasy, and a more ‘objective’, that is shared grasp of external reality. Winnicott’s emphasis was on early development and the way in which this space, when it emerges between infant and care giver, helps the infant manage the gradual recognition that the care giver is separate, thus supporting a shift from absolute dependence towards relative independence.

Can the important relationships formed between patients and clinicians, and in our therapeutic community here at the Cassel often even more crucially between fellow patients, not also facilitate the emergence of such transitional spaces? Spaces which foster symbolisation, play and creativity, and a gradual shift from dependence to a more self-determined, autonomous but connected life.

We will explore various stations along this journey. A presentation on beginnings and endings considers the anxieties, hopes, and unconscious meanings mobilised at the threshold of treatment and its conclusion, highlighting how these moments can both consolidate and destabilise psychic change. Another, on adventurousness, explores the delicate balance between safety and experimentation, drawing on the concept of play as a transitional activity that enables new forms of experience and self-representation. Finally, a paper on epistemic trust addresses the conditions under which patients come to recognise and internalise knowledge from another mind, particularly in the context of developmental trauma and disrupted attachment.

This conference invites reflection on how treatment itself may function as a transitional space – one that holds movement, uncertainty, and transformation at its core.

The volunteering activity

We will require support with;

•    Registration  
•    Event stewarding
•    Replenishing coffee & water urns etc.
•    Clearing up in between sessions & at the end

Considerations

You are likely to be on your feet for significant periods of the day and some lifting and moving of equipment might be required.  Car park facilities are available at the site.
And we will provide lunch!

For any enquires regarding the volunteering activity please contact Daksha Samani: daksha.samani@nhs.net

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.volunteers.hub@nhs.net  

To sign up please complete our quick registration form and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.

Activity Facilitation - customise your own one day volunteering opportunity!

This is a bespoke volunteering role! In your volunteering application for this activity please provide a brief outline of your proposed volunteering activity for the following application question: "Please provide a brief outline of your idea/s for your volunteering activity" 

Date: March 2026 - December 2026. Shifts take place once a month, on a Friday (see below for specific dates).

Location: Ealing, West London or online/remote 

Address: Haven Green Baptist Church -Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2UP (face to face session) or Online

Timings: 12:45pm till 2:15pm

Who will see the difference? Our patients with chronic and long term conditions.  

We are looking for passionate and creative volunteers to bring joy and engagement to our Support Circle Group, a community space for individuals living with chronic and long-term illnesses. The Support Circle Group provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants can connect and share experiences. As part of our sessions, we would love to introduce creative activities to uplift and inspire our members.

Some proposed activity areas we can consider:

🎶 Music – Singers, musicians, or who can bring live music.
🎨 Arts & Crafts – Simple and accessible creative activities for self-expression.
🎲 Games & Activities – Light hearted, inclusive, and interactive fun.
🎤 Other Creative Talents – Poetry, storytelling, or any other engaging ideas.

The volunteering activity:

We will need support with;

-  Participating in a briefing meeting with the service to further explore your proposed activity in your volunteering application
- Clarify practical support needs from the team for the activity to take place e.g. venue set up
- Facilitate your chosen and agreed volunteering activity session you’d like to offer
- Consider formal risk assessments with the support of your Trust point of contact for safe and effective delivery of activities

Considerations

We do not have resources to provide materials, but the goal is simply to spark interest and engagement. The activity will serve as a light and enjoyable way for participants to connect, express themselves, and find joy at the end of each session. Consider keeping activities simple but meaningful and rewarding for patients e.g. origami is fun and interactive whilst requiring very little material resource. Sessions last for 30 minutes, another reason why simple ideas will work. We are happy to discuss your initial ideas to align them to group goals too upon applying (no idea is a bad idea).

Session dates:

F = Face to Face; O= Online  

Friday 20th March  (O)
Friday 17th April (F)
Friday 22nd May (O)
Friday 19th June (F)
Friday 24th July (O)
Friday 21st August (F)
Friday 18th September (O)
Friday 23rd October (F)
Friday 20th November (O)
Friday 11th December (F)

Next steps

For any enquires regarding the volunteering project please contact Raquel Rodrigues on raquel.rodrigues4@nhs.net 

For general enquires about volunteering with the Trust please contact  wlt.volunteers.hub@nhs.net 

IMPORTANT - This is a bespoke volunteering role!

As part of your volunteering application, you must provide a brief outline of your proposed volunteering activity for the following application question:

"Please provide a brief outline of your idea/s for your volunteering activity"

Applications submitted without this information cannot be considered.

Please download an example brief below for guidance. 

Download: Example bespoke volunteering activity proposal from a volunteer

Could you help enhance the experience of our patients?

- An expected time commitment of two hours, twice a month
- Volunteer role, agreed expenses paid
- Location: Ealing, West London

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK. 

The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) was created to help service providers and commissioners understand whether patients are happy with the service provided, or where improvements are needed. It’s quick and anonymous way for patients to give views after receiving NHS care or treatment. 

Clinicians may not have the time to support patients to complete the survey or may feel that they are influencing the survey results if they do offer support. Additionally, patients may not want to complete the survey whilst they are still undertaking assessment or intervention from our teams. As a Patient Feedback Volunteer you will be part the Diabetes Service to significantly increase patient feedback response rates, contributing to important continuous improvement of the service which is patient feedback led.

In return we will offer you:

• An exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service that will make a real difference to our patient care.   

• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role  

• Agreed and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses  

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills and understanding of the NHS

If you're interested in becoming a Patient Feedback Volunteer, please apply online. For more information, contact West London NHS Trust Volunteer Services on:

07484 484 279

Closing date for applications is Thursday 14th May 2026

📩Download

Patient Feedback Volunteer Role Description

Could you be at the right place and time for rapid response help? 

- An expected time commitment of at least four hours per shift per week for a minimum of 6 months, where possible.  
- Volunteer role, agreed expenses paid
- Location: West London NHS Trust Head office in Armstrong Way, Southall and St. Bernards.

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK. 

Active Response Volunteers are based wherever there is a significant need for them onsite. They respond to situations in real time assisting staff when they need it most. You will be a pioneer in this new model of volunteering starting off at our Head office in Armstrong Way, Southall and nearby at St Bernards. Volunteers will be based with Volunteer Services and their efforts co-ordinated from there.

Staff are either under constant pressure to provide quality care to an ever-increasing number of patients or experiencing operational pressures when supporting our services. Active Response Volunteers respond to calls and emails from across the site to assist in common tasks that currently absorb staff time, emerging needs that require rapid response, stubborn tasks that accumulate and affect service quality and pressure points where additional help improves flow or experience.

You will be trained to move fluidly between tasks offering admin support, meeting and greeting and event support, keeping the environment organised and supporting the staff experience and wellbeing.

In return we will offer you:

• A full induction, training or brief to your role
• On-going support and guidance from a designated member of staff
• The opportunity to develop your personal and professional skills
• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers
• Provide you with a uniform
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The opportunity to contribute to our mission supporting outstanding patient care.

If you could be an Active Response Volunteer or would like more information, please contact West London NHS Trust Volunteer Services on:

07484 484 279

📩 Download

Active Response Volunteer Role Description

Could you help us reduce our patient non-attendance rates so that their care is not delayed?

 There is an expected minimum commitment of once a week for at least 6 months. 
- Volunteer role, expenses paid
- Location: Ealing, West London

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse providers of mental health, community and social care in the UK. 

Our Diabetes service offers diabetes care review for complex cases across Ealing. As an Appointment Reminder Volunteer you will be volunteering alongside our Health Centre Administration staff by calling patients to remind them of their appointments, these could be via telephone or face to face.  

When patients miss appointments, it delays their care. You will have the ability to provide essential support to our patients to confirm their appointments, understand reasons why they may not attend before they DNA and refer for support and liaising with Diabetes admin team to rebook or cancel appointments in a timely manner.

In return we will offer you:

• An exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service that will make a real difference to our patient care.   

• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role  

• Agreed and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses  

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills and understanding of the NHS

If you're interested in becoming an Appointment Reminder Volunteer, please apply online. For more information, contact West London NHS Trust Volunteer Services on:

07484 484 279

Closing date for applications:  Wednesday 13th May 2026 

📩 Download

Appointment Reminder Volunteer Role Description

Multilingual Support Volunteer – Make a Real Difference by Translating in Writing! 

Date: Any time, flexible

Location: Remotely

Address: Remotely

Timings: anytime

Volunteers: up to 15 volunteers (1 volunteer per language)

Who will see the difference? Patients and healthcare workers

The Hounslow Musculoskeletal service provides physiotherapy and Musculoskeletal assessment and treatment services across the Borough of Hounslow. 
Hounslow is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, and so we would like to be able to offer MRI advice cards for patients in a number of different languages to help improve our service accessibility, and to help best meet the needs of our local community.

The Aim: 

To produce a patient information source to explain key information:

-What is an MRI?

-Why are MRI scans are recommended?

-What is to be expected following the results/ interpretation of findings?

-What are the service waiting and reporting times?

We already have copies of resources in English, and we would be grateful with help translating this into one of the below languages.

As a volunteer, through translating these letter templates, you will help to prevent missed appointments due to misunderstandings, and you will allow our patients to understand how best to prepare for their healthcare and reduce pressure on our admin staff who are often called when patients are unable to understand information. 

The volunteering activity:

We will require support with;

• translating from written English language script to a community language/s above (in writing)

Key considerations:

Ability to translate from written English to one or more of the languages noted above (in writing). Access to a word processor and computer device. 

Next steps:

Please complete our application form outlining your skills and qualities for the activity and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.

Contacting us

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.volunteers.hub@nhs.net 

Dementia Action Week - Support onsite and make a difference in a day

Date: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Location: Syon House

Address: Park Road, Brentford, Hounslow, TW8 8JF

Timings: 10am-4pm 

Volunteers: Up to 9 volunteers

Who will see the difference? Our patients, staff, partners, people living with dementia and their carers

Dementia Action Week is a national initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia. Each year, we hold events so people can learn more about dementia and the services available to them in their borough. We need your help to ensure these events run smoothly. 

The volunteering activity

We will require support with:

• Welcoming guests when they arrive at the venue, directing them towards the event and registering them.
• Helping serve refreshments.

The Trust to:-

• Ensure volunteers have a safe working environment
• Have been given training
• Have access to a break area and refreshments
• Have someone to liaise with on site and answer any queries

Key considerations:

The volunteering shift will be from 10am until 4pm. All volunteers will be required to attend the venue from 10am for a briefing ahead of guests’ arrival at 11am. A full briefing and point of contact will be provided, in case you need any support on the day.

Please find a breakdown of the roles we need support with:

1.         Support setting up:

We need all volunteers to support set up of the venue.

2.         Support chaperoning guests:

Attendees will start arriving at the venue from 11am.

We need four volunteers in high vis clothing (provided) to support guests arriving at the car park by taking them to the venue from 11am.

3.         Support welcoming and registering guests:

The remaining volunteers will be required to assist with the following tasks on site; Welcoming guests, registering guests and hosting attendees with refreshments.

4.         Helping serve refreshments:

We need all volunteers to help serve refreshments to volunteers and signpost people to different activities within the glasshouse.

Next Steps:

For any enquires regarding the volunteering activity please contact the coordinator by email on samuel.pearce-kearney@nhs.net.

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.Volunteers.Hub@nhs.net.

To sign up please complete our quick registration form and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.

Dementia Action Week - Support onsite and make a difference in a day

Date: Thursday 28th May 2026

Location: Greenford Hall

Address: Ruislip Road, Greenford, UB6 9QN.

Timings: 11:00am-15:30pm 

Volunteers: Up to 8 volunteers

Who will see the difference? Our patients, staff, partners, people living with dementia and their carers

Dementia Action Week is a national initiative led by Alzheimer’s Society to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia. Each year, we hold events so people can learn more about dementia and the services available to them in their borough. We need your help to ensure these events run smoothly. 

The volunteering activity

We will require support with:

• Welcoming guests when they arrive at the venue and directing them towards the event.
• Helping serve refreshments.

The Trust to:-

• Ensure volunteers have a safe working environment
• Have been given training
• Have access to a break area and refreshments
• Have someone to liaise with on site and answer any querie

Key considerations:

The volunteering shift will be from 1100am until 330pm. These volunteers will be required to attend the venue from 1100am for a briefing ahead of guests’ arrival at 1200pm. A full briefing and point of contact will be provided; in case you need any support on the day.

Please find a breakdown of the roles we need support with:

1.         Support chaperoning guests:

Attendees will start arriving at the venue from 1200pm.

2.         Support welcoming and registering guests:

The remaining volunteers will be required to assist with the following tasks on site; Welcoming guests, registering guests and hosting attendees with refreshments.

3.         Helping serve refreshments:

We need some volunteers to help serve refreshments to volunteers and signpost people to different activities within the hall.

Next Steps:

For any enquires regarding the volunteering activity please contact the coordinator by email on samuel.pearce-kearney@nhs.net.

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.Volunteers.Hub@nhs.net.

To sign up please complete our quick registration form and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.

Dementia Café  - Get involved, support onsite, and make a difference in just one afternoon!

Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026

Location: Danehurst Community Centre 

Address: Brent Lea, Brentford, TW8 8HX.

Timings: 13:15 - 15:30pm 

Volunteers: Up to 2 volunteers

Who will see the difference? Patient and carers attending the Dementia café will experience assistance from the volunteers to participate in the activities.

We are hosting a Dementia café at Danehurst for patients and their carers to interact with each other, patients can join activities and carers can also join in, we will have some guest speakers so people who attend can connect with services in the community. 

The volunteering activity

We will require support with

• Car park attendance
• Answering the door and escorting to a seat
• Event stewarding
• Clear down in between sessions, offering refreshments.
• Offering feedback forms to be completed, so feedback can be sent to THQ.

Key considerations:

You are likely to be on your feet for significant periods of the café . Car park facilities are available at the site.

Next Steps:

For any enquires regarding the volunteering activity please contact - Vicky Evans Vicky.evans26@nhs.net

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.Volunteers.Hub@nhs.net

To sign up please complete our quick registration form and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.

Dementia Café  - Get involved, support onsite, and make a difference in just one afternoon!

Date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Location: Danehurst Community Centre 

Address: Brent Lea, Brentford, TW8 8HX.

Timings: 13:15 - 15:30pm 

Volunteers: Up to 2 volunteers

Who will see the difference? Patient and carers attending the Dementia café will experience assistance from the volunteers to participate in the activities.

We are hosting a Dementia café at Danehurst for patients and their carers to interact with each other, patients can join activities and carers can also join in, we will have some guest speakers so people who attend can connect with services in the community. 

The volunteering activity

We will require support with

• Car park attendance
• Answering the door and escorting to a seat
• Event stewarding
• Clear down in between sessions, offering refreshments.
• Offering feedback forms to be completed, so feedback can be sent to THQ.

Key considerations:

You are likely to be on your feet for significant periods of the café . Car park facilities are available at the site.

Next Steps:

For any enquires regarding the volunteering activity please contact - Vicky Evans Vicky.evans26@nhs.net

To speak to Volunteer Services about general information about volunteering with West London NHS Trust please contact wlt.Volunteers.Hub@nhs.net

To sign up please complete our quick registration form and sign up to the activity via your volunteering profile (opportunities tab) to confirm your attendance.