"Volunteers provide an added dimension to the support and care of mothers and babies. The contribution that volunteers make within the clinical environment enhances the overall delivery of care" As spoken by Matron, Special care Baby Unit, RVI.

The Newcastle Hospitals Trust values the involvement of local people as volunteers in activities that enhance the patient, visitor and carer experience, and also support staff in delivering high quality health care.

Your offer of voluntary help is very much appreciated, and you will receive a warm welcome no matter which area of volunteering you choose. 

Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to deliver the 'outstanding' care and service that we do today.

#IWILL YOUTH CAMPAIGN

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust has made a pledge to the #Iwill campaign, that it will give young people living within our communities the opportunity to take part in volunteering within our hospitals. We do this by working with local schools and colleges to increase accessibility, particularly for underprivileged young people, and to place students in volunteer roles which will enable them to grow in confidence and ambition. For more information visit #Iwill Campaign

Community Cardiac Rehabilitation - Volunteer Drivers

During the first few weeks after Patients come home from hospital, they are invited to take part in-group sessions at local community settings that include exercise, relaxation and healthy lifestyle advice. Volunteers provide this valuable home-to-home transport service to enable patients unable to drive, to attend the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation classes.  

Peters Story...

Following my retirement from regular employment I found myself subject to what all retirees must face - a lack of organisation in my life and very little human interaction. I had always been of a mind that giving back to the community would be a part of my later life and find the opportunity with CCRS fit the bill perfectly.

The induction and training were thorough and the personnel very welcoming and supportive aand it feels good to be part of a team again.

Now the best part, the patients. It has been a real eye opener to learn about the demographics of cardiac patients and heart warming and enlightening to hear their stories. Although we spend a relatively small amount of time together it is certainly true that relationships develop and it is both rewarding and sad to see them complete their course.

This has been one career move I do not regret!

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group

Splish, Splash, Bounce Group is specifically designed for pre-school children with additional needs. It is a joint group run between Physiotherapy and Early Education Additional Support Team (EEAST).  Our Volunteers work alongside Physiotherapists and parents, offering an additional pair of hands to ensure that the group runs smoothly and effectively.

Nicola's Story...

I have been volunteering at Splish, Splash Bounce for over a year now and I love it! I have a daughter who has special education needs and disabilities and when she was younger, we attended Splish, Splash Bounce and we both loved it! Now, I am fortunate enough to still be part of this through volunteering. As Splish Splash Bounce helped so much with my daughter’s progress, this led me to completing the rebound therapy training myself.

I help the physiotherapist’s with supporting the children on the trampolines, I have taken lead myself on the trampoline and carried out the sessions with the children. We sing nursery rhymes while incorporating Makaton signing and this is amazing when we see the children have learned signing through singing and playing. When we are in the hydrotherapy pool, I support on the side as a spotter. I will also help set up the toys ready for play time as the children love to have a splash and play before their pool session is over.

What I love about Splish, Splash Bounce is seeing the progress that the children make during their time attending the group, they thrive and achieve so much. The children know exactly what is happening and coming next from sitting on the carpet and singing the ‘hello song’, playtime, bouncing and swimming in the pool – It is so much fun!

Pharmacy Hub Volunteer Drivers

Our Pharmacy Hub Volunteer Drivers transport essential medication, and /or medical equipment to patients living across the North East region and who are either in self-isolation or are house-bound due to other existing medical issues.

Andrea's Story...

I started my role as a volunteer driver for the pharmacy hub during deepest covid in September 2020. At that time most of the patients I delivered to were shielding and were often very pleased to see a friendly face (above the mask and from a distance!) and to have a little chat.

I have continued in the role as I enjoy it so much, although now the patients are often not house bound and are having their medication delivered for various different reasons - but they are still always pleased to see me and grateful to have their meds brought to the door.

I never know what my route is going to be till I arrive at the hub - it could be very local or it might be up to Alnwick or even Coldstream! I’ve seen parts of the north east I might never have visited otherwise and it’s always interesting. Also the staff in the hub are very friendly and make me feel like part of the team.

Its good to know that I’m saving the NHS a bit of money by them not having to pay a professional driver to cover the route that I’m doing that day and as there are several of us volunteer drivers, I’m sure it all adds up. I owe the NHS a lot so I’m happy to do any little thing I can to give back.

Berwick Cancer Cars

Berwick Cancer Cars was setup in 1992.  Their team of volunteer drivers, provide a free hospital transport service to those with a cancer diagnosis living in Berwick & District, to enable them to reach their cancer related appointments  at the Freeman Hospital.

About the service

The Berwick and District Cancer Support Group, commonly known as Berwick Cancer Cars, was founded in 1992 by two women from Spittal who were having difficulty accessing their cancer treatment in hospitals 60 plus miles away. With exceptional organisation the group grew rapidly and received charitable status in 1994. From having one car the charity now has six and has grown to be one of the finest examples of a community-based charity in the country. Through the generosity of our supporters, we can offer free transport for those with a cancer diagnosis from Berwick and the surrounding areas (about 20 miles to the west and 25 miles to the south of the main town) to attend their appointments. In 2022 we were awarded The Queens Medal for Voluntary Service.

Over the years the need for the charity has sadly not diminished and as we have grown so has the call on our resources. We are entirely run by volunteers including a group of trustees who take care of strategy and planning, a volunteers committee who take care of day-to-day management and plan the fundraising, the coordinators book the journeys and in the frontline are the drivers.

All of this is funded through the efforts of the local community, through specific events organised by us, events by other groups and donations. The cars cost about £6,000 per month to keep running, last year our team of volunteers assisted 50 individual clients each month to reach their cancer related hospital appointments, many of whom needed daily treatments. With a total of 1,115 hospital runs our drivers covered over 13,000 miles for the year 2022. Fundraising therefore is ever needed.

Covid 19 had a huge impact on everyone. For us it increased the journeys and frequency because prior to March 2020 we could have up to 3 patients in the car but during the pandemic years we had to limit transport to one patient and one driver per car. Because of the ever-changing nature of cancer treatment, we find patients are expected to go further afield for more specialist treatment which has led us to improve our fleet of cars to meet the need.

After years of planning and fundraising we were able to open our new home at 8 Tweed Street, Berwick on the 8th of May 2023, which coincided with the King’s Coronation weekend. This provides us with secure parking for our cars, a hub for our volunteers and enables us to hold fundraising events and meetings, and to expand the services we offer in cancer support to those with cancer and their families.

The support we receive means we are very proud to be able to own all of our cars outright and each car is specially named with our supporters in mind, to thank or to commemorate them for their incredible kindness and fundraising.

Tom Matthewson, one of our team of volunteer drivers (of which currently we have 41) is pictured alongside our latest car “Thomas” named in his honour for his unfaltering dedication and over 13 years of selfless service to the community. A much admired and respected volunteer to both his colleagues and our clients, Tom often makes two (sometimes more!) hospital runs each week. Tom is also our Vehicle Manager and ensures our six vehicles are maintained to the highest standard.

In 2022 Tom came runner up in “The Lady Rose Crossman Lifetime Achievement award – Awarded to an unpaid individual who for the last 10 years or more has made a major contribution to the voluntary sector and is a true inspiration to others, going significantly beyond the normal expected involvement.” In 2023 Tom was one of six recipients of the inaugural Berwick-upon-Tweed Mayor’s Achievement Award.

The impact our service has on our community is best summed up by many of the “thank you” messages we receive in the mail, by email and on social media, here is a small selection!

"At a time of much worry the Cancer Cars team took away so much of the stress with their invaluable service. I will be forever grateful to them all."

"Berwick Cancer Cars are fabulous, without them I don't know where I'd have been."

"Fantastic service for individuals and families - you make tough times much more manageable. Thank you."

"Amazing team, without you all my family and many others would have struggled. The care and dedication you give is second to none."

"The friendly and helpful Cancer Cars volunteers enabled my mum to make her hospital appointments on time and relaxed, meaning that we as a family knew our mum is in safe hands. Cancer Cars are not only helping people in our area with cancer, but also their families. Please help me say a big THANK YOU to Cancer Cars." Susan Howlett, Great North Run Cancer Cars Team Runner

And following the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service:

"This organisation ensures safety, dignity and confidentiality, supporting the wellbeing of hundreds of clients and their families whilst sharing the client's journey." Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland

"The work of these volunteers has made a significant and valuable difference to the lives of others. The Queen's Award gives national recognition to extraordinary acts of voluntary service and the accolade is only given out in exceptional circumstances. These volunteers are extremely passionate about what they do, and their hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all. These commendations are so very well deserved, and I am pleased to see the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service recipients gain the recognition they so rightfully deserve." The Duchess of Northumberland

Tiny Lives Trust Volunteer Peer Support Project

Our Peer Support Project is a great example of partnership work between Tiny Lives Trust, the Hospital Volunteer Service and the Neonatal staff team who promote the benefits of peer support to families on the unit. However, this service would not be possible or sustainable without the commitment, enthusiasm and time offered by our wonderful Peer Support volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!  

About the service

Our Peer Support Project offers a vital community to parents while their baby is on the Neonatal Unit at the RVI and once they have been discharged home. Tiny Lives Peer Support volunteers are all parents with lived experience of having a baby on the Neonatal Unit. With the help of the Hospital Volunteers Service in the recruitment and training process, we can provide 1:1 and group support to families at the time they need it most by connecting them to other Mams and Dads who understand all the ups, downs, and quirks of the Neonatal Unit from a parent’s perspective. They truly have walked in their shoes and use their lived experience to offer a listening ear, support, and encouragement at one of the most stressful times of a family’s life.

The project began in December 2017 with Dads, facilitated by Matt Cray, one on the Neonatal Nurses, and supported by Tiny Lives. By 2019 there was a core group of 6 dedicated Dads. In October 2019, the dads Team volunteers completed their hospital volunteer training and started to hold weekly 1:1 drop-in session for dads on the unit. In 2020 the dads Team were joined by Mams peer support volunteers too.

Current Peer Support initiatives are:

• The SCBU Dads’ Team (specifically for Neonatal Dads)
• Mams Chat (specifically for Neonatal Mams)
• Stay and Play & Buggy Walks for families once discharged home.

The days can be long on the Neonatal Unit and as a regional level 3 centre often parents are far from home, family, and friends. The Peer Support volunteers go onto the unit at least twice a week. They offer a friendly conversation and someone to relate to.

As a Dad, you may have a completely different emotional experience to a Mam when your child has to spend time on the Unit. The Dads’ Team helps to address this. Alongside our face-to-face support we also run two closed WhatsApp groups; ‘Dads’ Chat’ and ‘Mams’ Chat’ which provide extra support and enables parents to connect with peer support at a time that suits them, these groups provide an informal supportive network for parents to support each other and share hints and tips about having a neonatal baby. The Peer Support team have also hosted a family pizza night encouraging parents to take a well-earned break and grab a bite to eat as this is often something parents on a Neonatal Unit forget to do!

Dads often have to go back to work before their baby is discharged from hospital and may also have other children at home to care for while their partners spend time on the Neonatal Unit. We also hold a ‘Dads Get Together’, this group meets outside the hospital grounds but near to the RVI. Our Dads’ Team encourage Dads with babies currently on the unit and those now home to meet up for a chat over some food and a cuppa. It’s a safe space for Dads to talk about what’s happening and share some of the challenges.

Here are just some of the comments we have received from families:

“I was hesitant to go at first but James was fantastic and made it all feel like a normal conversation with a mate”

“I never expected it (worry/stress) to be a thing for me but given how much I have been struggling, I gave it a shot and have nothing but good things to say about the dads team and Tiny Lives”

“Thank you for helping me feel strong enough and ready to get back out and help”

“Your time today was very much appreciated and really helped”.

Our Peer Support Project is a great example of partnership work between Tiny Lives Trust, the Hospital Volunteer Service and the Neonatal staff team who promote the benefits of peer support to families on the unit. However, this service would not be possible or sustainable without the commitment, enthusiasm and time offered by our wonderful Peer Support volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!  

Tiny Lives Trust

Daft as a Brush

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care have worked with the Newcastle Hospital Trust for over 10 years, providing transport to patients who are attending their treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.  The charity and its volunteers have supported thousands of people in attending their treatment, free of charge and without inconvenience.

About the service

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care have worked with the Newcastle Hospital Trust for over 10 years, providing transport to patients who are attending their treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.  The charity and its volunteers have supported thousands of people in attending their treatment, free of charge and without inconvenience.

The charity operates a fleet of forty ambulances, all manned with volunteer crews of a driver and companion.  To deliver their service, the charity relies on a team of almost 400 volunteers who are from all areas of the northeast and a wide variety of backgrounds.

“It is only through the selfless and committed dedication that our volunteers give to people living with cancer, that we can deliver this service.  In all my years in the not-for-profit sector, I’ve never known a group of people so wholeheartedly committed to helping others”, said David Wilson, Volunteer Manager.

The charity receives daily feedback from patients and their families celebrating the work of the volunteers, and the friendly, safe, and relaxing environment they provide to every person.  It is through the kindness and compassion of this group that the charity has seen such success and continues to grow.

“I joined Daft as a Brush nearly 8 years ago and still feel proud and privileged every day being part of this team.  I originally decided to volunteer to give some of my spare time to help others, but over the years I’ve realised how rewarding it is personally too”.

Win Allan – Volunteer Companion

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care – Transporting cancer patients to hospital, free of charge.

Mealtime & Patient Engagement Volunteer 

Ward 22, RVI

About the Ward

Ward 22 is a major trauma and orthopaedic ward caring for adults who have traumatic injuries, including bone fractures and minor head injuries.  The ward is divided into two units: one unit for major trauma patients; the other unit for patients with traumatic hip fractures.  Some patients are admitted from the RVI’s emergency department or assessment suite, or may come to the unit after being treated in the critical care unit or high dependency unit.

The Purpose of the Role

To support staff in ensuring that patients receive nutrition in a timely and comfortable way as well as engaging patients in activities, conversation and basic chair-based exercises, led by physiotherapists.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• Giving out 10:00am drinks and snacks.
• Helping when needed with positioning patients to eat and drink and opening packages.
• Assist the patients with filling out menus.
• Chatting to patients and possible involving them in exercise or games, sometimes led by physiotherapists.
• Giving out lunch time food and drinks, giving assistance when needed.
• Keep patient water jugs filled and provide tea and coffee.
• Offer refreshments to relatives of patients who are receiving end of life care on the ward.
• Make staff aware immediately if a patient has any clinical concerns.
• Giving out of teatime food and drinks, also giving assistance when needed.

Age restriction: 18 years plus -Volunteers will encounter patients with cognitive impairments which can be challenging. Can be confronting sights/experiences on ward-patients who are acutely unwell, receiving end of life care, medical devices in place such as feeding tubes, therefore a degree of emotional maturity is required.

Available Shifts:  Monday to Sunday, 10.00-14:30 or 16:30-18:00

To request an application pack, please click on the "Apply" button and type "Engagement" in the email subject box. In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.

Chemotherapy Unit Support Volunteer 

Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC), Freeman Hospital

Volunteers must be 18+

Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) is the largest centre of its kind in the North of England. It treats patients with a combination of compassion and leading edge technology to ensure that they are provided with the very best opportunity to beat cancer in a modern and welcoming environment.

About the Ward

Ward 36 is a - day unit which provides a safe and friendly environment for patients receiving chemotherapy or supportive treatments respectively.  It is divided into a chemotherapy day unit and supportive therapies day unit. 

Purpose of the Role

During treatment sessions, you can provide reassurance and comfort to anxious patients, as well as organising group activities, such a general knowledge quizzes to help pass the time and create a positive and supportive patient experience.

Description of main tasks specific to the placement: 

• To meet and greet patients arriving at the ward.
• Helping patients to understand how the ward works
• Assist staff in serving refreshments and snacks as and when required. 
• Spending time with patients who are on their own to help to reduce stress and anxiety
• Engage patients in appropriate leisure activities of their choosing, such as general knowledge quiz, board games and arts and crafts.
• Talk to patients/discuss current affairs/topical news events.
•  Assist patients in group conversation to help build relationships and support for patient
  
  

Available shifts: Monday - Sunday 08:30-12:30 or 12:30-16:30

Note: If you have recently had cancer it is important to consider that volunteering can be emotionally demanding experience so if you are currently or have recently been coping with a medical diagnosis either as a patient, family member or close friend, this may not be the best time for you to volunteer in our patient- facing role. We ask that if you have been personally affected by cancer that you wait for a period of at least 2 years before applying to volunteer.

To request an application pack, please click on the 'APPLY' button and type 'WARD 36' in the email 'subject' box. In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.

Patient Partner - Quality Improvement Volunteer (Day surgery)

An integral part of the role of the Quality Improvement team is to ensure that the patient voice is heard, and that their views are used to inform transformational change. 

We are now looking to recruit enthusiastic volunteers (Patient Partners) to work alongside the Quality Improvement teams and contribute as part of a group to share your lived experience and to offer open and honest feedback.   You will have a shared responsibility for ensuring that the improvements made by the teams are fair, equitable and transparent, and are in the best interests of the local population.

Ideally you will have an interest in reflecting the views of patients, carers, and members of the public, or you will have recent experience of using Trust services as patients or carers of patients.  You will also be required to actively participate in meetings and discussions.

Location: Trust wide

Time Commitment: Variable - ability to commit to attending meetings by computer or face to face

To request an application pack, please click on the "Apply" button and type "Patient Partner" in the email subject box.  In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.             

Volunteer Drivers - Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Service

About the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Service

During the first few weeks after Patients come home from hospital, they are invited to take part in-group sessions at local community settings that include exercise, relaxation and healthy lifestyle advice. Specialist nurses, physiotherapists and health and fitness staff run these sessions.

Purpose of the role:

To provide home-to-home transport to patients attending one of the Community Cardiac Rehabilitation for patients who are unable to drive or have difficulty accessing our Rehabilitation Service. 

All fuel costs and additional expenses are refunded and full training is provided. 

To become a volunteer driver, you will need to:

• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence with no more than six penalty points
• Have access to a car with a minimum of four doors
• Have fully comprehensive insurance
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (funded by the Trust)
• Undertake a Driver Health Assessment (funded by the Trust)
• Take part in our on-line volunteer induction training programme

Picking up local people and transporting them to and from one of the following clinics:   

• Mondays 09:00-12:15 - Westgate Community College
• Mondays 13:15-15:30 - Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Hall  
• Fridays 13:00-15:00 - Kenton Sports Centre  

Minimum commitment = 1 shift per week

To request an application pack, please click on the 'Apply' button and type DRIVER in the email 'subject' box.   In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.

Volunteer Driver (Pharmacy Hub)

Freeman Hospital

We are looking to recruit Drivers to volunteer to deliver, on behalf of the Trust, essential medication, and /or medical equipment to patients who are either in self-isolation or are house-bound due to other existing medical issues. Depending on your availability, this essential role may require you to complete several deliveries and/or collections to several individuals across the North East Region. 

Requirements

• To commit to a minimum of 1x 4 hr shift per week
• Full and valid driving licence
• The use of your own roadworthy vehicle, as outlined by UK law,
• Have a valid MOT certificate where appropriate and is taxed for use on the roads.

Reimbursement for mileage expenditure

Hours and Days

Monday - Friday, mornings or afternoons

For more information, or to  request an application pack, please click on the 'Apply' button and type PHARMACY in the email 'subject' box.  In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.

MediCinema Volunteer

RVI

MediCinema improves the difficult reality of being in hospital or places of care for patients and their families by bringing them genuine movie-going experiences to make them feel better. By creating a true cinema experience MediCinema aims to enrich the lives of patients, many of whom are critically ill or disabled and spend extensive periods of time in hospital or undergoing treatment.

This volunteer role involves assisting at each screening by collecting patients from the ward and assisting them to the MediCinema, pushing wheelchairs and hospital beds as required, then returning patients to their ward once the film is over. To ensure patient safety throughout the film, two NHS nurses are hired for every screening.

If you are looking for a role that brings immediate benefit and pleasure to patients, one that enables you to see the real difference you’re making to their lives, then volunteering at MediCinema located at the RVI Hospital could be for you!

Sessions available: 

• Thursdays 5.00pm - 8.00pm
• Saturdays 1.30pm – 4.30pm (children’s movies) 
• Saturdays 6.00pm – 9.00pm

You must be able to commit to a minimum of 2 screenings per month, for a minimum of a year. Volunteers need to be aged 18+.

To request an application pack, please click on the 'Apply' button and type MEDICINEMA in the email 'subject' box.  In your email, please provide a little information about yourself and why you are interested in applying for this role.

GNCH Pop up Shop Volunteer

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Shifts:   Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 13:00 - 16:00

Minimum requirement:  3.5 hour shift per week

The Great North Children's Hospital (GNCH) at the RVI in Newcastle is one of the 4 largest children's hospitals in the UK. GNCH cares for poorly or injured children from Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland and also provides highly specialised care for all children in the North East and North Cumbria with severe or long-term illnesses. As an internationally leading research centre, clinicians at GNCH work side by side with research staff to constantly improve treatments for all childhood diseases.

The Hospital has a charity the GNCH Foundation supports the work of GNCH, the foundation are always looking for ways to raise funds and recently GNCH have set up a pop ups hop within the hospital selling GNCH merchandise to staff, patients and visitors.

We are looking to recruit friendly and approachable people to volunteer in the GNCH Pop up Shop located in the main foyer of the Great North Children's Hospital. Previous retail experience would be beneficial but is not essential as training and support will be provided. The role requires the volunteer to maintain the smooth running of the pop up shop and will include welcoming customers,  recommending suitable shop items that best satisfy their needs, managing payment transactions and ensuring that the merchandise displays are topped up and look attractive. 

To register your interest, please click on the 'Apply' button below.