Becoming a volunteer with us
Volunteers are an increasingly valuable part of NCH&C. In 2024, they gave over 8,600 hours of their time, including more than 3,400 hours spent directly with patients-offering support with activities, companionship, and a welcome distraction from hospital life.
The importance of volunteers was formally recognised in July 2016 with the creation of our dedicated Volunteer Service, developed in partnership with Voluntary Norfolk. This team has supported the growth of volunteering across the Trust, with more than 200 volunteers now helping in dozens of NCH&C locations across the county.
Drawing on their experience, the Volunteer Service team supports patients, staff, and volunteers to make sure everyone benefits from volunteer involvement.
Volunteer roles
Volunteering can be extremely rewarding. Opportunities at NCH&C range from supporting patients with rehabilitation activities or assisting at mealtimes on the wards, to helping behind the scenes with administration and stockroom maintenance.
For some, volunteering is a route into employment. For others, it's a chance to gain new skills and experience, or to try something new that could lead to a career change. It's also a great way to meet new people and be part of a valued team.
The information below gives an overview of some of the roles available. Opportunities are always developing, so please get in touch to discuss what might be a good fit for you.
Activity Support Volunteer
This role involves helping patients take part in a range of therapeutic, educational, and support activities. Volunteers support both group sessions and one-to-one activities, helping to improve patients' wellbeing during their time in healthcare settings or community venues.
You'll work closely with clinical staff to help deliver these activities effectively - whether patients are in inpatient units, outpatient settings, or at the Willow Therapy Unit.
Find out more about these roles:
Activity Support Volunteer - Willow Therapy Unit
Meet and Greet Volunteer
Meet and Greet Volunteers provide a friendly, reassuring, and professional welcome to visitors at NCH&C sites. They help ensure that everyone arriving at our facilities feels supported and directed efficiently.
Find out more about this role:
Patient Support Volunteer
Patient Support Volunteers offer companionship and support to patients during their stay in healthcare settings. They help with basic non-clinical tasks that enhance the patient experience, such as chatting with patients, helping them feel more comfortable, and offering a friendly presence.
Volunteers also support healthcare teams by gathering patient feedback and contacting patients ahead of their visits - contributing to the overall quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Find out more about these roles:
Patient Support Volunteer - Willow Therapy Unit
Patient Support Volunteer - Inpatients
Patient Contact and Feedback Volunteer
Patient Contact and Feedback Volunteers support NCH&C by gathering feedback from patients and contacting them ahead of appointments with the Community Nursing and Therapy teams. This helps improve patient experience and supports the delivery of high-quality care.
Find out more about this role:
Stockroom Support Volunteer
Stockroom Support Volunteers help the Community Nursing and Therapy teams by keeping clinical stockrooms tidy, organised, and well maintained. This supports staff in accessing the supplies they need quickly and efficiently.
Find out more about this role:
Visitor and Team Support Volunteer
Visitor and Team Support Volunteers help create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff at NCH&C inpatient units. They support visitors and assist in maintaining a friendly and professional reception area.
Find out more about this role:
Visitor Support and Hosting Volunteer
Visitor Support and Hosting Volunteers help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for patients, visitors, and staff at the Willow Therapy Unit. They support visitors and contribute to the friendly atmosphere in the unit's day area.
Find out more about this role:
Volunteering at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge
riscilla Bacon Lodge provides specialist palliative care services, offering expert advice and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and those close to them. While many patients are well supported by their primary care teams, some have more complex needs that require input from our specialist multidisciplinary team.
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our dedicated staff across a range of areas, including:
- Day care
- Inpatient unit
- Reception
- Administration
- Car park meet and greet
- Volunteer driving
These roles are varied, and there's bound to be something that suits your interests and availability.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator
01603 776644
Other organisations we work with
The Volunteer Service works closely with other organisations to enhance the support available across NCH&C. One example is the Royal Voluntary Service, whose volunteers help run cafés and shops at Trust sites.
We also work with:
- Pets as Therapy (PAT) - bringing trained therapy animals to visit patients
- St John Ambulance - supporting patient care and wellbeing
- Other local and national organisations whose volunteers contribute to our services
These partnerships help us offer a wider range of support to patients, visitors, and staff.
Volunteering FAQs
Why volunteer with Norfolk Community Health and Care?
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust values the contribution volunteers make across the organisation.
We offer a wide and growing variety of roles, giving you the chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and gain experience in a supportive and stimulating environment. Volunteering - even for a small amount of time - can be a great way to make a real difference in your local community.
We'll provide all the training and support you need to carry out your role comfortably and enjoy your time as a volunteer with us.
Who can volunteer with Norfolk Community Health and Care?
We welcome applications from anyone who is honest, reliable, and compassionate about supporting others. We value volunteers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
To volunteer with us, you must be aged 16 or over. Roles based in clinical settings are only available to those aged 18 and above.
Most volunteer roles require a DBS check. However, having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you. Each application is considered individually, with open and honest discussion between you and a member of the volunteering team.
As the recruitment and induction process takes several weeks and involves input from multiple teams, we ask that volunteers commit to at least six months with us.
What does the recruitment and induction process involve?
To apply, you'll need to complete and return a Volunteer Application Form (see How to apply below).
Once we receive your application, a member of the team will contact you to discuss it. If your application is suitable for an available role, we'll arrange an informal interview at a mutually convenient time.
The informal interview is a chance for us to get to know you and understand why you'd like to volunteer. It's also an opportunity for you to learn more about the role and the wider Trust.
If both parties are happy to proceed, we'll carry out a DBS check and request references.
Once your DBS check and references are returned satisfactorily, we'll invite you to induction training. This covers everything you need to get started, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and health and safety.
From informal interview to starting your role, the process usually takes six to eight weeks, although this can vary depending on how long checks take and the number of applications we're processing.
Can I claim expenses for volunteering?
We reimburse volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering with us. However, we're unable to reimburse costs for attending the initial interview or induction training.
What support will I be offered whilst volunteering?
Throughout your time as a volunteer you will be supported by a Volunteer Co-ordinator, and where appropriate a member of staff in the team you are volunteering with. You will be introduced to your co-ordinator and local support during your induction.
Further training may also be made available to you during your time as a volunteer, where appropriate opportunities become available.
How to apply
To volunteer at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, please complete the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Volunteer Application Form.
To volunteer at any other NCH&C site, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Once we receive your application, your local Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Further information
If you'd like more information about any of the roles listed above, or if you'd like to speak to a member of the volunteering team, please contact us: volunteering@nchc.nhs.uk