Volunteer

Once you have found a volunteer vacancy that you prefer, you can apply online using the online application form or you can request a paper application form by calling the volunteer team on 01473 707939.

Once we receive your application we will pass it to the relevant department for consideration.

For all of our roles an interview is essential as we sometimes have many people apply. If you have added other roles you are interested in and you are unsuccessful in your first choice, we will try and match you to another suitable role.

Training is required for all volunteer roles, each role has specific requirements, which you will be informed of once your application has been processed.

Some roles do require a professional qualification or skill in a certain area; however for many roles what is needed is enthusiasm and an interest in people, a sympathetic and caring approach and good listening skills.

We try to be as flexible as possible and will talk to you to arrange the times you are available. For some roles the times are fixed and in these cases we would like a commitment to these.

Our shop managers will be pleased to hear from you even if you only have a couple of hours to spend a week.

Yes, if you have the time and the energy!

Volunteers are welcomed from age 14 upwards to help in some areas such as shops. Most other roles start from 18 upwards, including fundraising events and to help with administrative work. Volunteers who have contact with patients must be over 18.

No – but tell your Job Centre or Benefits Office before volunteering to get their confirmation. There is no maximum limit to the number of hours that you may volunteer, however, if claiming JSA, you must continue to search for paid work and be willing and able to attend an interview giving 48 hours notice.

If you are offered a volunteer role, you will be asked to complete some paperwork for our files.

We will ask for references and also carry out a DBS (police check)* if your role requires it.

Once we have received all of these back and they are satisfactory you will be invited to start your volunteering.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01473 707939 or email: [email protected]

* We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against anyone who has previous criminal convictions and having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to involvement as a volunteer with the hospice.