Chelsea and Westminster Volunteers

This is a very popular role as it provides patient contact and good insight and experience of working in a hospital. The role provides the ward with an extra pair of hands, assisting with non-clinical tasks such as chatting to patients, distributing meals, making drinks and running errands for staff and patients. There are a variety of wards to volunteer on and each ward is different.

Availability: Volunteering shifts are available on weekdays (morning or afternoon), evenings and also weekends, depending on your availability.

Time commitment: You must be available for at least one volunteering shift of 3-4 hours per week, for at least six months.

Requirements of the role:

Age: You must be 16 years or older to volunteer in this role

Accessibility: This role is accessible to people with wheelchairs or who have other mobility issues

As a volunteer you will embody the Trust’s values:

• Putting patients first
• Responsive to, and supportive of, patients and staff
• Open, welcoming and honest
• Unfailingly kind, treating everyone with respect, compassion and dignity
• Determined to develop our skills and continuously improve the quality of care

Skills and other requirements:

• You must be self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently
• You must be punctual and dependable
• You must have a professional and friendly demeanour
• You must be flexible and eager to learn
• You need a thick skin. Some patients might be distressed, and seeing patients with delirium or dementia can be distressing for some

Pre-placement checks and training:

• You must have an enhanced criminal record check (DBS) for this role. If you do not have one already then we can organise and pay for one.
• This role requires that you have certain immunisations and you will need to complete a health declaration form – we will discuss this with you when you apply.
• You will receive a core volunteering induction.
• You will also receive a local induction and orientation. This will include any training that is relevant to perform your tasks on the specific ward.