"Volunteers 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
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.
Volunteers making a difference
From time to time, we hear wonderful feedback from both patients and staff regarding the positive influence our Volunteers have on their experiences. Here are four uplifting stories that we'd love to share with you!
Keith J, Emergency Support Volunteer
1. From a patient
Yesterday my friend who has recently been diagnosed with cancer had to have an MRI with contrast. She had a nasty allergic reaction to the dye which required prompt input from staff. Due to the department closing at 6 she was moved round to A&E . The plight of many patients lined up in the corridors was distressing. However, during our anxious waiting period, we were greeted by a volunteer named Keith. He said he usually was in ophthalmology and that yesterday was his first” shift” on A&E . By talking to us offering a cuppa and generally being nice he alleviated some of the waiting time thoughts when you go over and over all the things that have happened or may still happen. We really felt cared about by this kind man and wanted to say a big thank you. Thank you, Keith, keep doing what you do so well and know that you’ve made a difficult situation more bearable.
2. From a patient
Please could you pass on my sincere thanks to your volunteer team at the RVI. Yesterday mid afternoon and evening I was in A&E due to severe pain. In the back part of the A&E there was an older gentleman who was bringing refreshments around for people. The contacts that we had with him throughout the hours I was there were so kind, reassuring and supportive. His small acts of kindness during a very painful time were exactly what my partner and I needed. His reassuring words, coffee and biscuits for my partner and little drinks of juice for me helped us tremendously. I'm sorry in my state I did not get his name, but you may know who he was. And of course, there will have been other volunteers there too all giving acts of kindness to others going through very difficult times. Please could you pass on my thanks to him if you can identify him and to the whole volunteering team. Thank you so much.
Margaret B, Meet & Greeter, RVI, Urgent Treatment Centre Volunteer
From a patient
I wanted to share a positive experience and thank the volunteer who helped me on the 4th of December around 1:30pm. I had an appointment with the immunotherapy team and took the bus into town to avoid the potential stress of parking. As I was walking to the hospital from Haymarket, I started to experience flare up symptoms of my ME. I made it to the cafeteria tables on the first floor and sat down for a bit. My body was telling me I couldn't make it to my appointment at the other end of the hospital because I was so fatigued. I saw the volunteer table and went over to the woman there and basically slumped on the stand crying because of how poorly I felt and I couldn't walk well. She was very kind, took my arm, sat me down at one of the tables and ordered a porter to come and bring me to my appointment. While we waited, she rested her hand on my shoulder. She was very comforting and understanding, it brings tears to my eyes while writing this because it really made such a difference and was so appreciated. So could you please pass onto her my thanks and let her know how she made a big difference to me and her care was very much appreciated.
Joe and Kevin, Meet and Greeters, RVI
A Greatix was submitted by a member of staff
Greatix Theme: Putting the Patient First
What did you do that was excellent? This is a joint nomination for Kevin and Joe who we met this morning while holding a stall at the New Vic Wing and had the pleasure of their company. They were an absolute delight, and so helpful to all who approached them. They took the time to speak to everyone, taking those who needed a bit more support, time and attention to the areas they needed, always with a smile on their faces. This was the first time we had met the father and son duo, and they were a joy to be around, and we cannot wait to spend another morning with them next month. Hearing Joe explain why he loves volunteering for Newcastle hospitals and working with staff and patients really was infectious and how its a privilege to work alongside his dad.... and his son!! Thank you, gentleman, for a wonderful morning!
What can we learn from this? To be more compassionate to one another, have pride in our work and be more in tune to the needs of others, not to wait for people to ask for help, offer when and support those around us. They both were just a Joy.
Thank you for being excellent!
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Activity & Mobility Support Volunteer
Freeman Hospital
18 years+
Help Patients Stay Moving, Independent & Well – Volunteer with Activity & Mobility
A little movement can make a big difference in hospital recovery — and you can help make that happen.
As an Activity & Mobility Support Volunteer, you’ll work alongside ward and therapy teams to encourage gentle movement, social interaction, and confidence, helping patients stay active, engaged, and independent during their hospital stay.
You’ll make a real difference by:
- Supporting patients’ mobility, independence, and wellbeing
- Reducing the risk of falls and physical decline
- Encouraging confidence and a smoother return home
No clinical experience needed — just enthusiasm, empathy, and a passion for helping people recover.
Available shifts:
Mondays to Fridays 13:00 -16:00
More information/APPLY
Audiology Hearing Aid Support Volunteer
Freeman Hospital
18 years+
Do you enjoy helping people and solving practical problems? Join our Audiology team and help ensure no one is left in silence.
As an Audiology Support Volunteer, you’ll provide friendly, drop‑in support for hearing aid users — fixing simple issues on the spot, issuing batteries and tubing, and giving patients reassurance when they need it most.
You’ll make a real difference by:
- Reducing anxiety with quick, practical support
- Keeping vital hearing aid services running smoothly
- Cutting waiting times and improving patient experience
- Freeing up clinical staff to focus on complex care
Available shifts:
Fridays – 09:00-12:00 or 13:00-16:00
More information/APPLY
Every Step Donation Volunteer
Great North Children's Hospital, RVI
Every conversation can change a child’s hospital experience.
As an Every Step Donation Support Volunteer, you’ll be the friendly face of fundraising at the Great North Children’s Hospital — connecting with families, raising awareness, and helping fund vital projects that transform children’s care.
You’ll make a real difference by:
- Helping raise essential funds for life‑changing children’s services
- Creating positive, memorable experiences for patients and visitors
- Supporting projects that enhance care, comfort, and wellbeing
What you’ll do:
- Promote the Every Step campaign
- Chat with patients, families, staff, and visitors
- Sell footprint stickers and help add them to the donation wall
- Represent the Great North Children’s Hospital Fund with warmth and pride
No fundraising experience needed — just confidence, friendliness, and a passion for helping children.
Available shifts: (Minimum of 1 shift per week)
Mondays to Fridays 10:00-14:00
More Information/APPLY
Endoscopy Service Support Volunteer
Freeman Hospital
18 years+
Feeling anxious before a hospital test is common — and that’s where you come in.
As an Endoscopy Support Volunteer, you’ll meet patients face to face, provide bowel preparation packs, and offer clear, friendly guidance and reassurance before their procedure.
You’ll make a real difference by:
- Improving patients’ confidence and comfort before endoscopy tests
- Helping patients understand and follow bowel preparation instructions
- Supporting a smoother, more efficient service
What you’ll do:
- Hand out sealed bowel preparation packs
- Offer simple, friendly advice and reassurance
- Be a calm, welcoming presence for patients
No medical experience needed — just a warm approach and willingness to help.
Available Shifts:
Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 08:00-12:00 or 12:00-16:00
More information/APPLYRadiology Transportation Volunteers
RVI and Freeman Hospital
About the role
We are looking to recruit a number of volunteers to provide vital logistical support to the Radiology Department by transporting patients in wheelchairs between their wards and imaging areas. By ensuring patients arrive promptly for their appointments, you directly enhance their care experience, minimise stressful wait times, and help the clinical team deliver treatments more efficiently.
What you'll do:
- Escort and transport wheelchair-bound patients safely between wards, specific hospital departments, and the main Radiology unit. (Wheelchair training will be provided)
- Assist in the timely arrival of inpatients for their appointments to minimise delays within the department.
- Improve the overall patient journey by providing a friendly presence and reducing anxiety caused by long waiting times or transport delays.
- Help to maximise equipment usage by ensuring a steady flow of patients to the department, allowing clinical staff to focus on scans and treatment.
The difference your contribution will make to the service
- Reduce inpatient waiting times within the Radiology department.
- Help to speed up patient discharge times and free up hospital beds, if patients are only waiting on imaging prior to discharge.
- Increase productivity within Radiology department.
- Improving patient experience, reducing the delays to their treatment.
The kind of skills we are looking for:
- Relatively fit and able to walk long distances and push a patient in a wheelchair. (Training will be provided)
- Able to multitask
- Good organisational skills.
- Confident and clear verbal communication skills.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Have a positive outlook and enthusiastic approach.
Available shifts:
Mondays to Fridays 08:00-12:00, 12:00-16:00 or 16:00-20:00
APPLY
Nature Recovery Support Volunteer
Freeman Hospital & Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) — outdoor green spaces, nature trail areas, and therapeutic garden/courtyard spaces
Do you love nature and want to make a difference to people’s wellbeing? Join our team as a Nature Recovery Support Volunteer and help care for beautiful therapeutic green spaces within the hospital grounds.
You’ll support the maintenance of sensory gardens and nature trails, helping with planting, watering, weeding and seasonal preparation. Volunteers also assist with biodiversity projects such as caring for wildflower areas, hedgerows and the nature pond, while helping record wildlife using the iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID (training provided).
You may also help with community wellbeing events, seasonal nature activities and citizen science days as we work towards achieving the Green Flag Award for our hospital grounds. Future plans include developing therapeutic food-growing spaces for patients, staff and visitors.
This is a rewarding role for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, supporting nature, and helping create calming green spaces for others to enjoy.
Days and times:
Monday – Saturday - 08:00-12:00 or 12:00-16:00
Primarily Monday to Friday, with some weekend sessions during key seasonal periods (e.g. planting, BioBlitz events, harvest activities).
Flexible scheduling: volunteers may commit to one or more regular sessions per week. Exact days to be agreed individually with the Nature Recovery Ranger.
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:
- Wednesdays: 12:00-16:00
- Thursdays: 12:00-16:00
- Fridays: 12:00 - 16:00
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:
- Mondays: 11:00am - 2:00pm or 4:00pm - 7:00pm
- Tuesdays: 11:00am - 2:00pm or 4:00pm - 7:00pm
- Thursdays: 11:00am - 2:00pm
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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