Ward Support Volunteers provide friendly, practical and social support to patients during their stay in hospital. Some patients may be in hospital for an extended period, and volunteers can provide valuable companionship, conversation and meaningful activity alongside the care provided by ward staff.

A key part of the role is supporting patients around mealtimes, helping to create a relaxed, comfortable and sociable experience. Volunteers may also spend time chatting with patients, reading together, playing games or taking part in other activities to help reduce boredom and social isolation.

Volunteers work under the guidance of ward staff. The role does not include feeding patients, providing personal care or undertaking any clinical duties.

Please Note: We accept applications from people who are 16 and over, however most of our wards require volunteers to be aged 18 or over. This is due to being exposed to confronting sights/experiences due to some patients having dementia, being acutely unwell, receiving end of life care, or having medical devices in place such as feeding tubes.

Department: Various wards

Supervised By: Nurse in Charge

Location: Freeman Hospital or RVI

Time Commitment: 1 x 3 hour set shift per week, for a minimum period of 6 months

Days and Times: Mondays-Sundays – 11:00am-14:00pm or 16:00pm-19:00pm