The Volunteer Service is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity which is the official charity for Newcastle Hospitals, one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK with two of the world's best hospitals, providing healthcare to communities across the North East. Hospitals includes the Royal Victoria Infirmary, the Freeman Hospital, the Great North Children's Hospital, the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Newcastle Dental Hospitals, Northern Genetics Service and many community services.

We go further for our hospitals to help deliver global excellence and local impact providing support for compassionate and innovative healthcare, education, and research including some of the best centres for children, heart and lung transplantation, genetics and cancer trials in the world.

We work in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals to complement the world-class healthcare services provided here and we proudly support patients, staff, and the wider hospital community by funding a range of initiatives - from cutting-edge cancer research to staff psychological support and vital improvements to the patient experience and environment.

How you can get involved

The Newcastle Hospitals Trust truly appreciates the participation of local volunteers in activities that improve the experiences of patients, visitors, and caregivers, while also aiding our staff in providing top-notch healthcare.

Your willingness to volunteer is greatly valued, and you will be warmly welcomed, regardless of the area you choose to assist in.

Would you like to volunteer for 3-4 hours or more each week to help our staff and patients? Check out our current opportunities listed below.
If you're interested in volunteering but can only commit on an occasional basis, take a look at our events and fundraising opportunities.
Are you part of an organization looking to set up a corporate volunteer event for your team to support Newcastle Hospitals or its Charity? Head over to our corporate volunteering section.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of commitment will you need from me?

As a volunteer there are no obligations and you are free to take on as many volunteer roles as you wish, all that we ask is that you commit to a minimum of 1 x 4hr set shift per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Who can apply?

Most of our opportunities require a minimum age of 18 years however some roles are suitable for over 16's. Under 18's will be required to complete a consent form which should be signed by a parent or guardian.

Please note: To be a successful volunteer you have to want to volunteer for the right reasons, not because someone has told you to do it, or because you would like to use it to enhance personal development and experience.

Why do I need to complete an application form?

It is a requirement of the NHS that you complete an application form for us to obtain your details and also to ensure that we match you with an appropriate volunteering role. All of our applications are process via the online TRAC recruitment system.

Please note: we are aware there has been an increase in applicants using AI (artificial intelligence) to help them complete their application. AI-generated applications can often be generic, impersonal and may not accurately reflect what an applicant can bring to a volunteer role. We are monitoring the use of AI - please be aware that this may reduce your chances of success. We would prefer to hear directly from you!

Why do I have to have employment checks?

Due to the nature of volunteering in the NHS we need to undertake employment checks on anyone working, paid or unpaid on our premises, in order to protect patients and staff. All of our checks are in line with NHS Employers Employment check standards.

I have not worked before – who can supply my references?

We require two references from individuals who have known you for at least three years. These can be from employers, but if you have not recently been employed these can be from other sources such as teacher or tutor, religious or cultural leader, case worker, community or social worker or family doctor. Friends, close relatives and family friends are not permissible and will not be accepted. We must have two references and they must cover at least a three year period. If you are unable to provide two references, or they do not cover three years we will be unable to accept your application.

Why do I need a health check?

You will be required to complete and occupation heath online assessment. This is to establish that you are fit to undertake the role you are volunteering for and to identify if any modifications are required to assist you to undertake the role.

How long does the application process take?

Currently it is taking between a week to 6 weeks for applications to work their way through the process.

How will you contact me?

The majority of our contact will be through email, so please make sure that you provide us with an email address if possible, and do keep checking your emails. If you have a hotmail account, then please check your junk inbox.

Meet our Driver Volunteers

Newcastle Hospital Charity Volunteer Drivers - Delivering essential equipment to patients' homes throughout the Northeast and North Cumbria.

In the vast stretch of countryside and cityscape that makes up the North East and North Cumbria, a small, dedicated team of just four volunteers are quietly delivering more than just medical equipment—they're delivering kindness, humility & compassion!

Since January 2025, the North-East Assisted Ventilation Volunteer Driver Service has covered over 7,000 miles. These aren’t just any deliveries—they’re life-saving. Each driver travels an average of 100 to 200 miles per day to ensure patients relying on assisted ventilation receive essential equipment directly to their homes.

This unique service bridges logistical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas. It allows patients to stay in familiar home surroundings while receiving the support they need. But the work is not without emotional weight. At times, drivers are called to retrieve equipment from the homes of patients who have sadly passed away—a task they handle with the utmost compassion and respect.

Katie Kaiser, Senior Nurse Specialist for the Assisted Ventilation Service, speaks highly of the impact the volunteers have made:

“The team have found the volunteer drivers a great support to our service. We have a volunteer driver available each day of the week which allows us to plan for equipment to be delivered to patients and collections to be arranged. This allows us to give patients a confirmed date that the kit they require will arrive and reassures them that a plan is in place. The volunteers are very flexible and are always willing to go above and beyond to help us meet the needs of our patients and deliver our service across a very large geographical area. They are a delight to work with and we are very pleased to have them as part of our team.”

Alison Armstrong, Nurse Consultant for the Assisted Ventilation Service, played a key role in establishing the position within the Volunteer Services team has said:

“I completely echo Katie’s feedback. The impact on the delivery of service as a result of the volunteer drivers is amazing!”

Each volunteer has their own story and their own reason for stepping forward.

Peter, who moved to the UK from Hong Kong, shared what drives him:

“When I moved here, I received so much support and kindness from the Geordie community. Volunteering for Newcastle Hospitals Charity gives me a chance to give back. Thank you for accepting me and giving me the opportunity to serve the community.”

Bill, another volunteer, reflects on the deep impact of the service:

“I have felt on many occasions the momentous impact this service has on so many people—from the incredibly nice staff within the North-East Assisted Ventilation to the patients needing this life-saving equipment and their grateful carers.”

For Andrea, a long-time NHS volunteer, it’s a matter of personal gratitude:

“I feel like I owe the NHS an awful lot, and this is a tiny way to show my appreciation. I enjoy the feeling that I’m doing something genuinely useful. One moment that stays with me was speaking with a man whose wife had just passed. He shared stories about her and how he was coping. It reminded me how human and important this role really is.”

Alan's love for driving truly makes this an ideal volunteer role for him.

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the chance to meet patients, their families, and caregivers. Additionally, since I have a passion for driving, I find it incredibly satisfying to travel to various places, including Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Tyne and Wear.”

These drivers aren’t just helping the NHS improve efficiencies. They are building trust, easing pain, and offering presence in moments that matter most.

In a world where healthcare often makes headlines for what’s missing, this service is a powerful reminder of what’s still here: people—volunteers—quietly showing up, delivering care in every sense of the word.

Alison Haigh, Volunteer Services Manager

Newcastle Hospitals Charity Representative Volunteer

Head Office, Jesmond and various locations as required

Over 18's only

Do you love meeting new people and sharing great stories? We’re looking for friendly Newcastle Hospitals Charity Representatives to help us spread the word about the amazing things happening at the Newcastle Hospitals.

What you'll do :

Represent the Newcastle Hospitals Charity at various locations as requested.
Contact community groups to offer presentations on the work of the charity.
Confident to deliver short presentations to community groups about the work of the charity. (full training will be provided)
Attend cheque presentations, representing the charity.
Collect cash donations as required.
Attend events on behalf of the charity.

The difference your contribution will make to the service

As a representative of the Newcastle Hospitals Charity, your contribution allows us to increase awareness of the charity, raising funds to help support important projects within our hospitals and community.

The sort of skills we are looking for:

A solid understanding of your local area
Great communication skills and a friendly smile!
A commitment to making a difference in your community
Reliability and punctuality
The ability to travel to various locations using your own car (all travel expenses will be reimbursed)
Access to personal data therefore and understanding of confidentiality
Cash handling experience
Basis I.T skills to update a database
Confident on the phone and dealing with supporter’s

Available shifts:

We would like you to be able to commit to 1 x 3 hr (minimum) shift per week.
Days and times are flexible to suit your availability.
Our office is open Mondays to Fridays 8am to 5pm

APPLY

CHARITY COLLECTION BOX VOLUNTEER

Newcastle Hospitals Charity, Jesmond

Over 18's

We’re excited to invite an enthusiastic and friendly volunteer to join us in raising money and awareness for Newcastle Hospitals Charity within your local community!

In this role, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to place collection tins in local businesses like pharmacies, butcher shops, fish and chips shops, newsagents, pubs, and more. The more collection tins you set up and maintain, the more funds you’ll help raise for Newcastle Hospitals Charity!

What you’ll do:

Identify new businesses in your area to host collection tins
Regularly visit these locations to check on and service the tins
Take full collection tins to the cashiers office in our hospitals
Update database with collection tin details and amounts raised
Build positive relationships with shop owners
Send out ‘thank you’ postcards to the businesses, sharing the amounts raised

The sort of skills or experience are we looking for?

A solid understanding of your local area
Great communication skills and a friendly smile!
A commitment to making a difference in your community
Reliability and punctuality
The ability to travel to various locations using your own car (all travel expenses will be reimbursed)
Access to personal data therefore and understanding of confidentiality
Cash handling experience
Basis I.T skills to update a database
Confident on the phone and dealing with supporter’s (tin locations)

What support will you receive?

You’ll be part of the fundraising team and so staff will be always available for any questions or queries you may have.

Shifts Available

We would like you to be able to commit to 1 x 3 hr (minimum) shift per week. Days and times are flexible to suit your availability. Our office is open Mondays to Fridays 8am to 5pm

APPLY

MEDICINEMA VOLUNTEERS

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Over 18's only

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.

We are proud to have been honoured by BAFTA with this year with the Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema, celebrating our impact in bringing transformative cinema experiences to those undergoing medical treatment in hospitals around the UK.

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!

Available shifts:

Tuesdays: 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Screening for Adults)
Wednesdays : 5:30pm-9:30pm (Screening for Children)
Thursdays : 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Screening for Adults)
Saturdays: 2:30pm - 6:30pm (Screening for Children)

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+.

APPLY

Mealtime Support Volunteer

Various wards across the RVI and Freeman Hospitals

We are looking for friendly and engaging people to support staff in ensuring that patients receive nutrition and hydration in a timely and comfortable way. You will support the ward team to distribute meals, interacting with patients as appropriate, and ensuring they have everything they need to be able to make the most of their mealtime experience.

Note: We accept applications from people who are 16 and over, however most of our wards required volunteers to be aged 18 or over. This is due to being exposed to confronting sights/experiences due to some patients having dementia, being acutely unwell, receiving end of life care, or having medical devices in place such as feeding tubes.

All duties will be overseen by nursing staff and will never include feeding patients or clinical tasks, such as personal care.

What you will do:

Assist patients with direction from staff as needed.
Help patients order meals and collect completed menus.
Offering support to serve meals, refreshments and snacks.
Ensure patient’s receive correct meals based on speech and language therapist/dietician recommendations e.g. modified diets and thickened drinks.
Offering support or prompting patients to eat, helping to ensure food is cut up, packets opened and easily reached.
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.

The difference your contribution will make:

Helping patients and visitors to the Newcastle Hospitals.
Supporting patients recovery through vital nutritional support.

The sort of skills we are looking for:

Good listening and communication skills are essential.
Able to chat confidently with patients and when necessary, put them at their ease.
Patience and composure.
A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgmental approach.
Reliable/dependable/flexible.
Understanding of confidentiality.
Have a positive outlook and enthusiastic approach.
Willingness to work without direct supervision.

Available shifts:

We would like to you try to commit to at least 1 x 3 hour shift per week

Dates: Mondays to Sundays
Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm or 4:00pm - 7:00pm

APPLY

Meet and Greet Volunteer

NEW Urgent Treatment Centre

Over 18 years only

We are excited to invite volunteers to join us in supporting the new Urgent Treatment Centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)!

In this vital role, you’ll have the opportunity to greet patients as they arrive and guide them through the department. You’ll help them find the kiosks for self-check-in or the front desk for personal assistance. Additionally, you may direct patients to other areas of the hospital or kindly redirect anyone who may have come to the wrong location. Your warm presence will be especially important for those who might feel a bit anxious, as you’ll be there to offer reassurance and comfort.

What you will do

Meet and greet patients and visitors to the Urgent Treatment Centre.
Direct patients to use the self-check-in kiosks, in order to take pressure off staff on the front desk.
Direct visitors and patients within the department.
Provide a wayfinding services, to support people to navigate their way to other departments across the hospital.
Call porters for wheelchair assistance to transfer patients, when required.

The difference your contribution will make:

Your contribution will truly make a difference! By providing a friendly and compassionate welcome, you’ll enhance the patient experience in our department. Your support will help make a challenging time feel a little less stressful for both patients and their visitors. Join us in making a positive impact!

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Good listening and clear communication skills are essential.
A caring, sympathetic, sensitive manner and a non-judgmental approach.
Calm under pressure – this will be a busy environment
Some knowledge of the layout of the hospital site would be helpful but not essential
Reliable/Dependable/Flexible.
Understanding of confidentiality.
A positive outlook and enthusiastic approach.
Able to work independently without direct supervision.
Must be over 18 years of age.

Available shifts:

We would like to you try to commit to at least 1 x 4 hour shift per week

Dates: Mondays to Sundays

Times:

Mondays: 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Tuesdays: 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Wednesdays: 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Thursdays: 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Fridays: 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Saturdays: 12pm to 4pm, 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am
Sundays: 12pm to 4pm, 4pm to 8pm or 8pm to 12am

ON HOLD

Volunteer Retail Assistant

Freeman Hospital and RVI

About the service:

Newcastle Hospital Charity has three main retail shops at Freeman Hospital and RVI. The largest shop, located at the Freeman Hospital's main entrance, offers snacks, drinks, newspapers, toiletries, and small gifts. The NCCC shop features quality items like costume jewellery and branded gifts. There's also a pop-up shop at the Great North Children’s Hospital, which sells clothes, toys, and gifts. 100% of generate profits go to support hundreds of individual projects each and every year, all in line with our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the patients, people and wider communities of Newcastle Hospitals.

We are now looking to recruit volunteers to support the day to day operations of the shop and to create a pleasant shopping experience for patients, visitors and staff.

What you will do:

Serving patients, visitors and staff in a welcoming and helpful manner
Using an electronic touch screen till
Handling cash
Replenishing and pricing items
Stock taking
Keeping shop clean and tidy.

The difference your contribution will make:

You will help to raise essential funds that will go improve the health and wellbeing of the patients, people and wider communities of Newcastle Hospitals.
Create a pleasant shopping experience for patients, visitors and staff.

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Experience of working in retail/customer service would be an advantage but not essential.
Attention to detail.
Good organisational skills.
Confident and clear verbal communication skills.
Reliable and trustworthy.
Able to multitask.
Have a positive outlook and enthusiastic approach.

Available shifts:

Freeman Hospital Charity Shop:

Fridays 11:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00
Saturdays 10:00-13:30, 16:00-19:00

Great North Children's Pop-up Charity Shop, RVI

Thursdays: 13:00-16:00
Fridays 10:00-13:00

APPLY

Volunteer Patient Drivers

RVI/Freeman Hospital/Community Settings

Purpose of the role:

As a Volunteer Patient Driver you will be helping people in your local community access non emergency but vital medical appointments at the RVI, Freeman Hospital or one of our Community setting. You will make sure that patients arrive in a relaxed and friendly manner and taking them back to their home address after their appointment.

All fuel costs and additional expenses are refunded.

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

Minimum commitment = 1 x 4 hour shift per week

Various shifts available : Monday to Friday between 8:30am & 12pm or 1:00pm & 4:30pm

APPLY

OUR PARTNER VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS

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.

MORE INFORMATION

Tiny Lives

The Tiny Lives Trust is a registered charity that helps to care for premature and sick newborn babies, their mothers and families, in particular those looked after by the Newcastle Neonatal Service at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. The fund aims to provide the highest quality of care on an ongoing basis to support a range of facilities, staff, and equipment.

MORE INFORMATION

MEDICINEMA

The Medicinema located in the New Victoria Wing, RVI, gives our patients a fully immersive, (completely free!) cinema experience, no-matter if they are in a wheelchair, attached to a drip or even unable to leave their bed. Our Patient Assistants Volunteers collect patients from the wards and offer support to them throughout the screening. To ensure their safety throughout the film, we hire two NHS nurses for every screening.

MORE INFORMATION

CHUF

The Children's Heart Units (CHUF) vision is to support pioneering services that will positively impact heart families, inspire hope and enable Heart Heroes to reach their full potential. CHUF supports children and families who receive treatment at the Children’s Heart Unit based at the Freeman Hospital and the many other hospitals providing care for cardiac patients throughout the

MORE INFORMATION

Berwick Cancer Cars

The Berwick & District Cancer Support Group or more commonly know locally as Berwick Cancer Cars was setup in 1992 to help Cancer Patients get to their treatments to our hospitals over 60 miles away. The cars are run by volunteers and proudly supported by the whole area.

MORE INFORMATION

Radio Lollipop

Radio Lollipop is an international charity which provides care, comfort, play and entertainment service for children in Hospitals. Based in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Radio Lollipop co-ordinates a team of Volunteer ‘Playmakers’ who spend time entertaining children on wards across the Great North Children's Hospital, as well as presenting children’s radio shows, broadcasting from its in-house radio station - part-presented by children themselves!

MORE INFORMATION

Trustee Opportunities

Have you ever thought about being a trustee for a local charity? It can be a great opportunity for you to put something back into a cause you believe in, help an organisation with your professional knowledge and expertise and also provide you with development opportunities.

There are several local infrastructure organisations that promote trustee opportunities:

For Newcastle CVS https://www.cvsnewcastle.org.uk/jobs/trustee-vacancies
For North Tyneside VODA https://voda.org.uk/volunteering
For Northumberland CVS www.northumberlandcva.org.uk/volunteering
For the North East VONNE https://www.vonne.org.uk/jobs
For the Volunteer Centre Newcastle https://volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk/volunteer/activityhome