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

Express Theatre Patient Escort Volunteer

Adult Theatres, Royal Victoria Infirmary

25 years+ only

We are pleased to share an exciting and unique volunteer opportunity for those who are great conversationalists, have strong communication skills, and have a knack for making others feel comfortable, thereby helping to alleviate patient anxiety.

In this role, you will be responsible for escorting patients to the theatre, providing support while they wait in the pre-operative area and recovery area, and assisting local anaesthetic patients before their transfer to the ward.

The difference your contribution will make to the service will help to reduce patient anxiety, allow patient support in pre-op areas, reduce the time taken to transfer patient, and free ward staff from escort duty and allow them to ready subsequent patients

Please keep in mind that this role involves walking considerable distances during your shift and managing both lifts and stairs. It would be advantageous if you have previously undergone a surgical procedure, especially at the RVI.

You must be over 25 year of age and be able to commit to one shift per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Time commitment: 1 x 4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months

Available shifts:

Monday: 08:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-16:30pm
Tuesday 08:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-16:30pm
Wednesday 08:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-16:30pm
Thursday 08:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-16:30pm
Friday 08:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-16:30pm

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 Oustanding 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!

Sessions available:

Tuesday 5.30-9.30
Thursday 5.30-9.30
Saturdays 1.30-5.00
Saturdays 6.00-7.00
With new days and shifts available soon

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.

APPLY

Volunteer Retail Assistant

Freeman Hospital and RVI

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.

As a Newcastle Hospital Charity retail volunteer, your contribution will help to generate profits that will 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.

You'll need to have a friendly personality and good communication and listening skills. This is an ideal opportunity if you want to make new friends and develop your skills and experience in a hospital and retail environment. Experience of working in retail/customer service would be an advantage but is not essential as training and support will be given.

Time Commitment: 1 x 3 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Freeman Hospital Charity Shop:

Mondays 11:00-14:00
Thursdays 16:00-19:00
Fridays 16:00-19:00

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

Thursdays 13:00-16:00

Northern Centre for Cancer Care Charity Shop, Freeman

Wednesdays 10:00-12:30 or 12:30-15:30
Fridays 10:00-12:30 or 12:30-15:30

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

Ward Support Volunteers

Various wards across the RVI & Freeman Hospital

Over 18's only

We offer a range of ward support volunteer opportunities at our two primary hospitals and are eager to hear from friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic individuals who possess strong communication skills and a caring attitude.

Ward volunteers offer companionship and support to patients, many of whom may be in the hospital for extended stays. As a ward volunteer, you'll engage in various activities with patients, including playing board games, reading, or simply having a chat.

Volunteers also play a role during mealtimes, which involves getting patients ready for their meals, serving the food, and sitting with them to assist with cutting their food, opening containers, and making mealtime a more social experience.

When completing an application, please provide as much information as you can about your motivation for volunteering and the skills and experiences you can contribute to the role.

Time commitment: 1 x 3 hour shift per week

Available shifts: Mondays to Fridays, either 11:00-14:00 or 14:00-17:00

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

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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.

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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