Volunteer with the Northumbria Volunteer Service (NVS) We have over 350 volunteers…
Northumbria Healthcare is an integral part of our local community.
We are fortunate to have a large ‘family’ of volunteers who dedicate their time to our NHS trust.
Which role works for you?
Meet & greet
As a meet and greet volunteer you will help visitors coming into the hospital by the main entrance. Your role is important in making visitors and incoming patients and staff feel welcome and supported.
Volunteer shop/cafe
The Northumbria Volunteer Service (NVS) offers shops/cafes to five hospital sites, ran completely by volunteers. Our shops/cafes are there to provide a service to staff, patients and visitors. All profits are donated back to Bright.
Befriending volunteers
As a befriending volunteer you will provide valuable social interaction through the provision of activities for our older patients who may be feeling isolated, lonely, or those who just need a chat, within our hospital wards.
Outpatient support
This role involves supporting the outpatient department, assisting staff by taking patients files from the reception desk to the appropriate nurse’s station. You’ll also be supporting and befriending patients.
Buggy driver
As a buggy volunteer you will support with the transport of patients and visitors around the hospital as requested. This is a free service from the NVS and is operated five days a week. You will need a full driving licence to drive the buggy.
Sweet trolley volunteer
Our charity trolley service is taken around wards every weekday and includes transporting drinks, food and everyday essentials to patients who may struggle to travel around the hospital.
Charity mascot
Our charity mascot volunteers aim to bring a bit of brightness to patients, staff and the wider communities around Northumbria NHS by providing valuable social interaction in dressing as the Bright mascot – Sunny!
Spiritual & pastoral care
Volunteers offer patients spiritual and pastoral care during times of illness, long term stay, challenge and transition through active listening with the support of the Chaplaincy team. Specialised training available for this role.
How to apply
We’d love to hear from anyone, over the age of 16, who is interested in becoming a volunteer. We can give you all of the information you need to help you make the best decision for you. We would also love to hear from organisations who would be interested in our corporate volunteering.
After applying to become a volunteer, there are a number of processes to complete, such as supplying two references, completing a disclosure and barring service check and an occupational health check. These are important as we protect our patients in the same way we protect you.
As the process can often take a few weeks, it is for this reason that, sadly, we are unable to offer short-term work experience placements.
Please complete the application form and return to volunteers@northumbria.nhs.uk
If you have any queries or would like to know more about volunteering, please call 0191 203 1354.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We offer volunteer opportunities for ages 16+.
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes, you can buddy up as a volunteer. When applying to volunteer simply make a note on your application form who you would like to buddy up with.
Do you have to have experience of working in a hospital to volunteer?
You don’t have to have any previous experience working in a hospital to take part in volunteering.
How many hours can I volunteer?
We ask that all volunteers contribute a minimum of 100 hours. These hours can be spread out and flexible around you.
Can my volunteering count towards work experience/placement?
We do not currently offer short term work placements within the charity. Please email workexperience@northumbria.nhs.uk with your enquiry.
Simply complete one of our applications forms and send to us at volunteers@northumbria.nhs.uk.
You will then be invited for an interview and an induction training session ahead of starting your role.
Who can I put as a reference?
You can include a current or previous employer or use a character reference such as a neighbour, landlord or teacher – but you should not include a family member.
I have a visa/work permit and live the United Kingdom, can I still volunteer?
Most visas allow volunteering, although some may have restrictions on the number of hours you can volunteer.
If you are not sure, please contact the UK Border Agency.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer?
All volunteers will receive a DBS check following applying to volunteer.
Will my expenses be paid as a volunteer?
Yes, we will cover any travel expenses once you start volunteering. All our volunteers also receive a free hot drink when volunteering in our hospitals.
Is any training provided before I start volunteering?
Yes, all training is provided at induction and covers some mandatory training within the health service including: Fire safety, infection control training and safeguarding.