Volunteers wanted to support patients at Hexham General Hospital
Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, which supports Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is looking for new volunteers to help enhance the experience of patients, visitors and staff at Hexham General Hospital. Opportunities are available for people living in Hexham and surrounding communities.
Bright volunteers go the extra mile to support local hospitals – from offering a friendly welcome in volunteer shops to helping care for much‑loved hospital gardens, creating welcoming spaces that make a real difference to wellbeing.
Marking National Garden Week from 27 April to 3 May, Bright is particularly keen to hear from people with green thumbs who would like to help maintain and develop the garden spaces at Hexham General Hospital. Volunteer gardeners play an important role in creating calm, inviting environments that support healing and recovery for patients, as well as quiet spaces for visitors and staff.
Typical tasks include:
- Planting, watering, weeding and pruning flowers and plants
- Chatting with visitors, patients and staff about the garden’s progress
- Following health and safety procedures and reporting any hazards
For those who prefer to stay indoors, Bright is also recruiting for a Reading for Wellbeing volunteer role. This role gives volunteers the opportunity to read aloud to patients and offer companionship through stories, poems and gentle conversation.
Reading for Wellbeing volunteers help bring comfort, connection and calm to patients who may be feeling isolated or unwell, using the simple power of shared stories.
Bright also welcomes volunteers for its ward trolley service, bringing part of the hospital shop directly to patients’ bedsides. Volunteers sell newspapers, drinks and snacks to patients with low mobility, with all profits raised reinvested into supporting patient care through the charity.
Full training and ongoing support are provided for all roles. No previous experience is required – just a love of reading or gardening, and a caring, friendly approach.
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Bright can:
- Call:
0191 203 1354
