Volunteer opportunities

We are currently recruiting volunteers to a mealtime support role within the Elderly Medical wards at St James, Hospital in Leeds.

Volunteering is great way to gift your time by supporting patients, staff, and services at the hospital. Our roles are open to anyone 18 years or older, who can commit to gifting their time for a minimum of one shift per week for the next 12 months and can meet any additional requirements specific to a role.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

· Aged 18 +

· You must have a professional and friendly demeanour.

· You must have excellent communication skills.

· Be patient and demonstrate empathy, understanding and encouragement.

· You must be self-motivated; with an ability to think on your feet and work independently.

· You must recognise your own limitations and ask for help when you are unsure.

· You must be punctual and dependable.

· You need to be aware that some patients might be distressed.

· This is not a job shadowing opportunity and should not be considered a work placement.

· You must be motivated to volunteer, rather than shadow clinical staff.

· You must be willing to make a regular volunteering commitment at least one shift per week for the next 12 months.

Additional skills would be welcome such as second language, BSSL, dementia awareness, understanding of disability access needs, awareness of learning disabilities and autism, supporting those who are deaf or blind, experience of working with young or older people.

Roles are available at: St James, Hospitals, Leeds LS9 7TF.

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

To request the full volunteer role profile and for further information please contact

The Voluntary Services Team: [email protected]

Tel 0113 2065888

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