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

NEW - Live Music Session Support Volunteer

Various wards/departments across the RVI & Freeman Hospital (18 years +)

About the service:

Our live music sessions provide benefits for patients, visitors, and staff, including pain management, reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, increased social connection, and a general improvement in overall wellbeing. It offers a stimulating, personalised experience that can provide a welcome distraction from illness and isolation, offering a connection to the outside world and fostering meaningful emotional responses. We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support our Hospital Sessions – where professional musicians bring the joy of live music to patients, staff, and visitors at the RVI and Freeman Hospitals.

What you’ll do:

Attend live music sessions on wards
Chat with patients, staff, and visitors about the sessions
Collect feedback and record simple data to help us grow the programme
Support musicians with small requests and liaise with ward staff where needed

The difference your contribution will make:

Enhance the patient experience and wellbeing of NHS staff
Help the arts team evaluate and expand the programme
Bring companionship and connection to people through music

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Passionate about all types of music and enjoy connecting with people
Friendly, approachable, and confident communicators
Good observers with an eye for detail
Comfortable recording basic feedback and inputting it online
Respectful of hospital staff, patients, and access needs

Available shifts:

Mondays: 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Thursdays 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Fridays 10:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Join us in making a difference through the power of live music in hospitals.

APPLY

NEW - Learning Disability Patient Support Volunteer

Learning Disability Liaison Service, RVI (18 years +)

About the service:

The learning disability support team assist patients with learning disabilities and their caregivers during hospital or community visits. They support both adults and children who need extra help accessing our services. Reasonable adjustments are made to meet patients’ specific needs and the team coordinates care for hospital visits and ensure that everyone involved in the patients care understands their individual needs. We are looking for volunteers to help create a positive, supportive environment for patients with learning disabilities on our inpatient wards. .

What you'll do:

Visit patients on the wards for friendly conversation and reassurance
Engage in fun, relaxing activities like board games, colouring, or nail painting
Accompany patients to the hospital shop or enjoy fresh air in the hospital grounds
Communicate and connect with patients in a warm, compassionate way
Share feedback with the Learning Disability Team to help us keep improving care

The difference your contribution will make:

Your presence will reduce anxiety, boost morale, and improve patient well-being
You’ll be part of a dedicated team making a direct, positive impact on patients’ lives. Every visit you make helps create a more welcoming, less stressful hospital experience.
Your time, kindness, and empathy can brighten someone’s hospital stay – and that’s priceless.

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Caring, kind, and compassionate personality
Calm and patient under pressure
Strong listening and communication skills
(Desirable) Experience supporting people with learning disabilities

Available shifts:

Monday - 12:30pm - 16:00pm
Tuesday - 12:30pm - 16:00pm
Wednesday - 12:30pm - 16:00pm
Thursday - 12:30pm - 16:00pm
Friday - 12:30pm - 16:00pm

APPLY

Renal Unit Support Volunteers

Freeman Hospital (18 + years)

About the service:

The Renal Unit (Ward 31), cares for people living with kidney conditions who need regular treatment. Patients often spend three to five hours with us, several times a week, and while our doctors, nurses, and dieticians look after their medical needs, volunteers play a huge role in making their time here brighter and more comfortable.

What you'll do:

Offering patients a tea, coffee, cold drink, or snack during their treatment.
Keeping ward areas tidy and welcoming.
Helping to keep supplies organised and up to date.
Running little errands around the hospital, like collecting prescriptions or fetching items from stores.
Supporting with light admin tasks (like shredding) to help things run smoothly.

The difference your contribution will make:

Help brighten the day for patients during long treatment sessions.
Support our staff in providing the best possible care.
Gain new experiences and meet wonderful people.
Be part of a welcoming community where every contribution is valued

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Friendly, positive, and enjoy chatting with people.
Reliable and happy to lend a helping hand.
Organised, with a good eye for detail.
Comfortable juggling a few different tasks.
Keen to be part of a team and make a difference.

Available shifts:

Mondays: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Tuesdays: 9:30am - 12:30pm or 12:30pm - 4:00pm
Wednesdays: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Thursdays: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Fridays: 9:30am - 12:30pm

We’d love you to join our team and help make a real difference to patients and their families.

APPLY

Ophthalmology Patient Support Volunteer

Ophthalmology Outpatients Department, Claremont Wing, RVI Hospital

About Us

Led by specialist ophthalmologists (eye doctors) and nurses, we provide a wide range of treatments – from laser clinics to optometry. Every day, we welcome patients of all ages, many of whom may have additional mobility needs or sight loss. We are looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to make a real difference to our patients’ experience.

What you'll do:

Greeting and signposting patients as they arrive.
Assisting patients between different clinic areas.
Supporting those with sight loss or reduced mobility.
Helping the photography team by guiding patients and transferring notes between clinics.
Being a reassuring presence for patients during what can be a stressful visit.

The difference your contribution will make:

You’ll be a vital part of creating a welcoming, calm, and caring environment.
Your friendly guidance will help patients find where they need to be and move smoothly between clinics – whether it’s to photography or back to their consultant.

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Great listening and communication skills.
Patience, empathy, and a calm approach.
Reliability, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
Ability to respect confidentiality.
Willingness to work independently.
Manual handling skills (training provided).

Available shifts:

Mondays 08:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-16:00pm
Tuesdays 08:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-16:00pm
Wednesdays 08:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-16:00pm
Thursdays 08:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-16:00pm
Fridays 08:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-16:00pm

If you enjoy meeting people, have a caring nature, and want to make a real impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

APPLY

Assessment Suite Support Volunteer

Great North Trauma and Emergency Centre, RVI

Over 18's only

About the service:

The Assessment Suite welcomes patients who arrive either from the bustling emergency department of the RVI or referred by their trusted GP. Patients present with a diverse array of conditions and concerns, all attended to by a dedicated medical and surgical doctors on duty. During assessment, staff perform a variety of tests to uncover the root of patients issues, and quite often, treatment can be initiated on the very same day if necessary. Patients are seen quickly and their stay is likely to be short. Many patients are discharged directly home from the Assessment Suite. Others require ongoing care and are transferred to a different ward or hospital depending upon their condition and needs. We are looking for a dedicated team of volunteers to offer support to staff and provide essential nutrition and hydration support and companionship for patients attending the department.

What you'll do:

Serve refreshments – tea, coffee, cold drinks etc.
Help patient’s when completing menu cards.
Support with the meal service.
Provide companionship to those patients who are on their own.
Help patients to contact relatives/friends/carers.

The difference your contribution will make:

Improve the patient’s experience by providing valuable companionship to help to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Through supporting the mealtime service, you'll help to ensure that all patients receive timely hydration and nutrition.

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Kind and compassionate nature.
Good organisational skills.
Confident and clear verbal communication skills.
Reliable and trustworthy.
Able to multitask.
Have a positive outlook and enthusiastic approach.

Available shifts:

Tuesdays: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursdays: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Fridays: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturdays: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Sundays: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

APPLY

Meet and Greet Volunteers

Freeman Hospital

About the service:

The volunteer Meet and Greet Service provides a valuable contribution to enhancing the patient experience. Volunteers welcome and direct patients and visitors, helping to reduce anxiety by offering a friendly, calming presence and providing directions to different departments. We are looking to recruit a number of friendly and approachable people to join our team of Meet and Greet Volunteers to assist patients, visitors and general public coming into hospital.

What you'll do:

Provide a welcoming and friendly Meet & Greet service to patients, visitors and general public at the main entrance to the hospital.
To provide directions to wards/departments and if required, escorting patients and visitors to their destinations.
To offer additional support to visitors with mobility problems by calling porters for a wheelchair service.

The difference your contribution will make to the service

Help patients and visitors to navigate their way to their destination.
Alleviate patient and visitor stress and anxiety.

The kind of skills we are looking for:

Confident and clear verbal communication, with good listening skills.
Polite and friendly approach.
Reliable and trustworthy.
Reasonably fit and able to walk around the site well.
Ability to exercise judgement and decision making and to report incidents when necessary.

Available shifts:

Tuesdays: 12:00-16:00
Thursdays: 12:00-16:00
Fridays: 12:00 - 16:00

APPLY

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
Saturdays 10:00-13:00

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

Thursdays: 13:00-16:00
Fridays 09:30-13:30

Northern Centre for Cancer Care Charity Shop, Freeman

Wednesdays 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

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.

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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.

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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!

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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