What is a volunteer?
A volunteer is someone offering time, skills, or knowledge, freely and by choice, for no pay, to help others. Volunteers help in many ways. There are many roles, including response, clinical, befriending on the wards and supporting staff. Volunteering opportunities also include gardening, shop assistants and administrative areas.
“Volunteering allows me to interact with patients, and maybe in some small way, help improve their time whilst they are in our care” - Stuart (Patient Activity Volunteer).
What volunteering opportunities are there?
We have fantastic opportunities for those wishing to offer time to help others, or hoping to develop volunteering into a career. This is possible through our ‘volunteer to career pathway’ with NHFT or through the NHS Cadets programme.
Examples of volunteering roles available in health and social care in Northamptonshire are included in the links in this section. These will change and vary on the employer opportunities available at the time of interest so please do get in touch if you are interested.
East Midlands Ambulance Service volunteer roles
Click on the link to view the volunteer roles available at East Midlands Ambulance Service, from community first responders, to volunteer car drivers and emergency services volunteers.
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust volunteer roles
Click on the link to find out more informaiton about volunteering at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust volunteer roles
Click on the link to view the volunteer roles available at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, from ward buddies, to bedside book club and more!
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust volunteer roles
Click on the link to view the volunteer roles available at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and find out how to get involved.
St Andrew's Healthcare volunteer roles
Click on the link to view the volunteer roles available at St Andrew's Healthcare from befrienders, to charity shop assistants, patient activity volunters and more.
Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire
Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire are looking for young people in Northamptonshire between 11 to 24 years old who are keen to make a difference in health and social care and are interested in young people's rights and wellbeing.
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
Each health and care organisation in Northamptonshire has a volunteering programme and their website will include details of the process and commitment expected. Usually you must be 16+ and able to spare a couple of hours every week over a set period. For some roles you must be 18 years old. From there the process is simple:
- Find a role you’re interested in or contact us
- Fill out the organisations volunteer application form
- Meet the organisation staff member for an informal chat
- Complete a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate
- Provide the organisation with contact details for references
- Complete any training needed for the volunteer role
- Sign a volunteer agreement
- Start your volunteering placement
Please note, each employer process may vary.
Contact us to find out more
Contact us to find out more
Our providers offer volunteering opportunities directly. We also offer opportunities with external providers in partnership with NHS or social care providers including:
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust (NGH)
- Website: Types of volunteering
- Email: ngh-tr.volunteer.services@nhs.net
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KGH)
- Website: Volunteering
- Email: kgh-tr.volunteering@nhs.net
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT)
- Website: Volunteer
- Email: volunteering@nhft.nhs.uk
St Andrews Healthcare
- Website: Volunteering
- Email: voluntaryservices@standrew.co.uk
Primary Care
- Website: https://www.northantstraininghub.nhs.uk/
- Email: enquiries.nth@nhs.net
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS)
- Website: Volunteers
Other partners:
- Student Volunteering | Voluntary Impact
- Local Volunteering Opportunities | Voluntary Impact
- Volunteering Charity | Royal Voluntary Service | Previously WRVS
Volunteering FAQs
What skills do I need to become a volunteer?
You don't need any special skills. You must be able to volunteer time on a regular basis for the minimum period of your chosen role. You will be given all the training and must make sure you are well-equipped and ready.
What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer?
For me: There are so many benefits. It is a valuable experience. There is learning and development. You make a real difference and can socialise.
For patients: Volunteers present an external, non-medical link to the outside world for patients. For some, they are their only ‘visitors’ or means of socialising. The value you bring really is huge. Each patient will value different things about the interactions, your skills, personality, culture, interests etc. For some, you will make their day by just being present.
For the organisation: You will bring your own talents and skills to the role and in turn have positive effects on the organisation, its patients and staff.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
In some areas where uniform is required, yes. This is for many reasons: to protect your clothes, infection control and to be easily identified as one of the team.
I am a student that requires experience for my university application.
Your age, commitment needed and your profession of interest will decide where we are able to offer experience. It could be through a partnership programme, getting experience or volunteering. Please contact us for further information.
I have a paid job, can I still volunteer?
Yes, we will always try to find an opportunity that suits where we can.
How can I find volunteering opportunities?
You can search or contact any of the organisations included in our 'contact us' box to discuss current roles. Check out our useful links box to see other opportunities.
Can I volunteer in the evening and/or at weekends?
Yes, if there is a role available with those time commitments.
Useful links
Please see below some useful links about volunteering in health and social care.
There are many different ways to get experience in the NHS, find out about them here.
Find out how you can get involved with St John Ambulance.
Find out more about volunteering here.
Volunteer now to support the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Find out what volunteering opportunities are available near you.