We are launching a new volunteering scheme
An Inpatient Services Volunteer scheme is being launched at an event at The Learning Hub in Longford, Coventry on 26 July 2016.
The event will include presentations from senior staff members about the role of volunteering in mental health and learning disability inpatient sites, as well as stories from current volunteers and a question and answer session with the Acute Service (Inpatient) Managers.
The Trust is seeking to recruit dedicated volunteers for various roles across its inpatient sites in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. The main hospital sites are: Caludon Centre, Coventry; St Michael’s Hospital, Warwick and Brooklands Hospital site in Solihull.
Volunteering brings numerous advantages to both the Trust and the volunteer. For example, volunteers can provide different outside perspectives on patient care. Sometimes patients find it easier to communicate with volunteers than staff, making volunteers a valuable extra line of communication.
Tariro Gumbo, Volunteer Service Co-ordinator for the Trust commented: “It’s an exciting opportunity within our Trust. We are looking for volunteers from different backgrounds and all ages who are keen to make a difference in someone’s life using their valuable skills and experiences. This is also an opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge.”
The use of local volunteers can also help to strengthen the relationships between services and the communities they are located in.
Ade Odunlade, Associate Director of Operations for Acute Services, said: “Volunteering with us will enable us to bring our community into the service and help improve patient experience. They [volunteers] are priceless and selfless.”
In return, the Trust can offer opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge, as well as recognising, developing and utilising existing talents in a way that positively affects other people’s lives and wellbeing.
Volunteering with the Trust can also provide an excellent opportunity to improve their skills, references for a CV, and of course the opportunity to make a difference in the community and to support the NHS.
Volunteers need to be understanding and not judgemental of the patient’s circumstance, respectful of the patient’s individuality and cultural values, and to be able to listen to and communicate with patients, carers and staff.
Some of the activities for volunteers can include:
- Meeting and greeting at reception desks, including signposting patients, visitors and answering non-clinical queries;
- Ward roles, for example supporting patients at meal times;
- Patient surveys and gathering patient experience information;
- Helping maintain services in coffee shops for patients, families and staff;
- Helping in one of our many gardens and outdoor spaces;
- Providing a listening and support service.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Trust, please send an email to volunteer@covwarkpt.nhs.uk, or call us on 024 7696 8144.
The launch event will be held between 11:30am – 1.30pm at:
The Learning Hub
Windmill Point
Windmill Road
Coventry
CV6 7AT