Volunteering

Could you share the care?

Would you like to join more than 900 volunteers who work at our hospitals already?

Voluntary work at the Trust is valued, varied and interesting. Our volunteers help with a wide range of tasks including:

• 'meet and greet' services
• recreational activities, particularly with elderly patients
• hospital radio, Radio Lollipop, beauty care, tea bars and shops.
• administrative and clerical support
• writing letters, reading, playing games, craftwork
• being a sympathetic ear
• support for our Patient Advice and Liaison Service
• flower arrangers, pastoral volunteers and other roles through the Chapliancy and spiritual care service.

A rewarding investment

In return for your time, you can expect plenty back. Our volunteers tell us they do it to make a difference, meet people, make friends, give something back, learn new skills, try out a possible change in direction. Students often volunteer to gain experience for their chosen course or career, and enhance their CV.

We help our volunteers celebrate Volunteers Week with presentations and an away day, and arrange an annual long service presentation for Trust volunteers.

Who can volunteer?

Qualifications, experience, age or background rarely matter. What our volunteers do have in common is commitment, reliability, a liking for people, a sense of humour and a cheerful disposition.

You'll need to complete an application form, available from the address below. You will have a health check from our occupational health service, and an informal interview to see how we can match your wishes to our needs. Depending on where you will be working, we may also need to get a Criminal Records Bureau check done.

Interested?

If you'd like to find out more, please write to:
Voluntary Services Co-ordinator
Southampton General Hospital
Tremona Road Shirley
Southampton
SO16 6YD

or email volunteers@suht.swest.nhs.uk|