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 Volunteers

Ward 36, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital

June, Francis, and Pam represent just three of the sixteen dedicated volunteers in the Chemotherapy Unit (Ward 36). They deliver outstanding service by offering refreshments to patients undergoing treatment, providing comfort and reassurance to those who are anxious, and organising group activities, such as general knowledge quizzes, to help alleviate the wait and foster a positive and supportive environment for patients.

(Photo: Pam, June and Francis taken at the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Event)

June said: “When I left school, I tried nursing but didn’t end up really settling into it. After retiring in 2021, I wanted to go back into a hospital and thought it would be nice to be able to help by supporting patients. It’s an absolute privilege to do this, the patients appreciate us, and we appreciate them.”

Francis added: “When I retired I wanted to be part of something that is a big part of everyday life and payback a little into the NHS to thank them for all the help they have given me. Volunteering on the ward really feels like being part of the team, not just the volunteering team but a team with the ward staff too.”

And Pam, said: “I just felt that I needed some structure in my life as I was retired and was no longer needed as much for grandchild care. It would be too easy to slip into a pattern of socialising, shopping and worst of all daytime TV! When I had treatment for cancer many years ago I was grateful for the care of the busy staff, and those who still found the time to bring me a much needed cup of tea. I wanted to give something back, and the ward has always made us feel at home - lovely staff and patients.”

All three agreed that volunteering makes such a difference and is such a rewarding thing to do.

Diane - Ward 36 Housekeeper said: "The volunteer's on Ward 36 are a valued part of the support staff team. They have built relationships with both patients and visitors and often receive small gifts of gratitude from patients, such as chocolates, cards etc. They give their precious time, they are conscientious in their work and it is much appreciated by the ward and especially the housekeeping team and the patients."

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.

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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!

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