South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Therapeutic Care Volunteer
Create a free account to applyChat with hospital patients, read on request and use games, drawing or jigsaws to make their stay more comfortable as a therapeutic care volunteer. With staff permission and supervision, you can also accompany patients around the hospital and complete patient experience questionnaires.
Therapeutic care volunteers help make a patient’s stay in hospital as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The role is centred on friendly, reassuring interaction and practical emotional support within the ward environment, always with staff permission and appropriate supervision.
Typical tasks include chatting with patients about their interests and memories, reading quietly when requested, playing simple games, helping to distract patients with activities such as drawing or jigsaws, and encouraging awareness of nutritional and hydration needs. Volunteers may also accompany patients within the hospital and complete relevant paperwork such as feedback forms and patient experience questionnaires.
The role suits people with tact, sensitivity, good communication skills and a professional, approachable manner. Volunteers are expected to complete induction and corporate training before starting, and commitment is discussed individually.
Support is provided by the Therapeutic Care Team, with regular updates and training opportunities available. The service welcomes volunteers across adult inpatient wards and the women’s and children’s department.
Location
- Must be aged 16 or over.
- Must complete an application form, provide two successful references, pass a DBS check and obtain occupational health clearance before starting.
- Must complete Trust corporate training, volunteer induction training and other mandatory training.
- A minimum commitment of six months is required.
- At least two hours per week is generally expected.
- If you want to volunteer at weekends, you must complete at least four weekday sessions first.
Volunteers receive a burgundy NHS volunteer polo shirt and badge. Free parking is available on Trust sites. Travel expenses are not paid by the Trust.
Free to take part.
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