Volunteer opportunities

Summary

We’re looking for dedicated and empathetic people to support our volunteer-led supported Shape Up 4 Surgery (sSU4S) project at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. The project launched in September 2022, and volunteers have so far supported over 700 patients to wait well before their surgery.

Volunteers will:

• Be provided thorough training and support in preparation for making patient phone calls
• Support and signpost patients to the SU4S website where they can find useful resources on how to wait well for their surgery
• Support and signpost patients to healthy living services and activities e.g. Stop Smoking services, physical activity groups as well as other helpful local services and organisations
• Provide regular telephone support to patients, checking in on them to see how they are getting on and offering further support

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Are 18+ years old
• Able to commit to 30 hours of thorough group training on pre-scheduled dates (dates below)
• Once training is complete, able to commit to 1 shift per week, 9.30am – 12.30pm OR 12.30pm – 3.30pm.
• Once training is complete, shifts will be available Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
• Minimum overall volunteer commitment for this role is 9 months (including the 30 hours of training)
• Embody our Trust Values
• Are confident with their communication skills
• Have a good standard of spoken English
• Are professional and friendly
• Are punctual and reliable
• Happy to work as a team and also independently
• Have experience using computer systems such as Microsoft Excel and Email platforms

The following experience is desirable:

• Telephone conversation experience with members of the public
• Lived experience of hospital / surgical care
• Knowledge of local services / community groups

What happens after you apply for this opportunity:

You will be required to complete our expression of interest form and if your skills, experience and commitment match the role we will invite you to an interview.

The interview will be an opportunity for you to ask further questions whilst we assess your suitability to the supported Shape Up 4 Surgery Volunteer role.

If you are successful at interview, volunteers will need to commit to pre-scheduled training sessions before recruitment continues. Volunteers MUST attend one of the sessions from each week (listed below). If you are unable to commit to this block of dates, we can provide the subsequent training blocks taking place through the year. The preference would be for volunteers to be able to commit to the full day.

• Week 1: either Monday 27^th July  OR Wednesday 29^th July
• Week 2: either Monday 3^rd August OR Wednesday 5^th August
• Week 3: Monday 10^th  August OR Wednesday 12^th August
• Week 4: either Monday 17^th August OR Wednesday 19^th August
• Week 5: either Monday 24^th August OR Wednesday 26^th August

Once training is complete, volunteers will be based at St. James’s Hospital, and will be able to schedule their shifts.

If you are interested in volunteering please complete our Expression of interest Form.

For further information about this role, or to request the role profile, please contact [email protected].

St James Hospital in Leeds

This role will make a really difference to those attending hospital, can you help?

The Emergency Department (ED) at St James’s Hospital is an extremely busy area that see a huge number of patients, visitors, carers and family members each day.

We know that these hospital areas can be difficult to navigate due to their size and complexity, with people often becoming lost, confused, and anxious. Those visiting are often unwell, worried, and unsure of who to approach to ask for information on; directions, services on sites, amenities, onwards travel and additional support.

Situated in the emergency department you will be in contact with anyone coming into the department. You will offer a listening ear, comfort and support. Sign post people and accompany anyone who is unsure of where they need to go to get them safely and without delay to the area, they need to be in. You may be required to provide some patients with refreshments and operate a tea trolly. We will equip you with training and site-specific knowledge, way finding skills, and knowledge about the local area, transport, and amenities so you can help anyone that comes into the department.

We will also be offering additional training to volunteers in this role including supporting those with additional needs, or sight or visual impairment, and wheelchair training.

We are looking for volunteers who have:

· At least 2 years’ experience working/volunteering with members of the public or in a patient facing role.

· Minimum Age of 21+

· Excellent, confident communication skills

· Ability to share key information in a clear and helpful manner.

· Good mobility as this is an active role.

· Friendly and welcoming

· Happy to work as a team and support other volunteers in the same role.

· Can show initiative and work independently.

· Confident in approaching strangers.

· Welcoming

· Can commit to one weekday shift 10am -1pm or 1pm -4pm for at least the next 12 months.

If you are interested in volunteering please complete our Expression of interest Form and state that you are interested in the Meal Mate Role.

For further information please contact the Voluntary Services Team: [email protected] or 0113 2065888 / 0113 2066510

Are you available to volunteer at least once a week from 10.30am -2.30pm at Chapel Allerton Hospital, LS7 4SA

Supporting Patient on the Rehabilitation ward.

The Rehabilitation ward at Chapel Allerton has patients who spend a substantial amount of time in hospital, which can leave them isolated and disengaged.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who will provide support over the lunchtime period and to help patients participate in individual or group activities, games, or crafts.

This role will help promote patients’ wellbeing, provide stimulation, reduce boredom, and distress and reduce the risk of deconditioning.

Here is a little of what you will you be doing:

· Sitting with patients in the dining room at mealtimes, to socialise and normalise eating.

· Offer encouragement to those who require prompts and reminders during mealtimes.

· Befriending and initiating conversations with patients

· Using initiative, setting up and running activities with patients individually or those in groups e.g., Bingo, Ball games, cards, reading, making crafts, painting etc.

· Supporting and encouraging identified patients to join in with activities and games

About You:

· You must be friendly and approachable and happy to chat with patients.

· Minimum Age of 18+

· Excellent, confident communication skills

· Creative and enthusiastic

· Good mobility as this is an active role.

· Happy to work as a team and support other volunteers in the same role.

· Can show initiative and work independently.

· Committed to at least one shift per week 10.30am -2.30pm for at least the next 12 months.

If you are interested in volunteering please complete our Expression of interest Form and state that you are interested in the Meal Mate Role.

For further information please contact the Voluntary Services Team: [email protected] or 0113 2065888 / 0113 2066510