Volunteer with us
With multiple sites throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull, our volunteer opportunities could be close to your home and close to your heart.
We offer a world of volunteer opportunities across our services, which include mental health, learning disability and autism, integrated children's services, and corporate services.
Join us to gain valuable NHS experience alongside a community dedicated to empowering people to live a brighter, more fulfilled and more independent future.
Locations of volunteer roles
We are based out of more than 40 sites in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. If you live in or nearby our areas, you're likely not far from an opportunity to make a difference. Our main locations are:
- Caludon Centre, Coventry
- St Michael's Hospital, Warwick
- Woodloes House, Warwick
- Manor Hospital site, Nuneaton
- Brooklands Hospital, Solihull
- Stratford Healthcare, Stratford- upon-Avon
- The Railings, Rugby
- St Mary's Lodge, Leamington Spa
Types of volunteer roles
There are lots of different roles available, and we will support you to find the right fit. Some examples of our roles include:
- admin support
- ward roles
- activity volunteer
- café assistant
- chaplaincy volunteer
- volunteer driver
- collecting patient and carer feedback
Benefits of volunteering
There are many benefits to volunteering. Our volunteers tell us they do it to:
- give back to the local community and make a difference
- learn about the NHS and British culture
- find community and shared purpose
- network with other likeminded people
- build confidence, skills and knowledge
- gain careers experience
- feel a part of a community.
As well as knowing you will make a difference in people's lives, our volunteers can access a range of benefits, including:
- online training
- application advice and support for future roles
- opportunities to attend CWPT events and award ceremonies
- joining our volunteers network
- access to NHS discounts through Blue Light Card and other schemes.
Apply to be a volunteer
Becoming a volunteer takes just 4 simple steps, and our dedicated Volunteer Service will support you every step of the way.
1
Reach out to our Volunteer Service
Email volunteer@covwarkpt.nhs.uk and we'll discuss your interests and goals.
2
Complete an application
Once we've identified a role that we think will be the right fit, we'll support you to complete an application.
3
Attend an interview
If your application is successful, we'll invite you for interview.
4
Start volunteering
After completing recruitment checks, we'll arrange your start date and enrol you on any relevant online training, so you can start making a difference.
Things to consider before applying
We ask all our volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months. This is to ensure continuity of care for our services and for our service users. For more information about volunteering, see our frequently asked questions.
Meet our volunteers
Our community of volunteers is 60 people strong and growing. Meet some of our incredible volunteers who give their time and skills at CWPT.
Back to the list
Reflecting on volunteering in mental health
With Taiwo Franklin Gbemigun
Meet Taiwo, one of our brilliant ward support volunteers dedicating his time to support our mental health services in Coventry. Earlier this year, he also won Volunteer of the Year in the Trust's annual Q Awards. For International Volunteer Day, we caught up with Taiwo about his role and the powerful impact it has had on him, and those he supports.
Tell us about your role
"I volunteer as a ward support in Cauldon Centre on Hearsall Ward. In this role, I support patients on the ward by offering companionship, engaging them in meaningful conversations, assisting with day-to-day activities, and helping to create a calm and welcoming environment. I also support staff where needed to ensure the ward runs smoothly and that patients feel listened to, valued, and cared for."
Why did you start volunteering?
"I started volunteering with CWPT because I have a genuine passion for helping others and wanted to give back to the community. Supporting people during challenging times means a lot to me, and volunteering gives me the opportunity to contribute positively to someone's wellbeing, even in small ways."
What has volunteering been like for you?
"It has been an amazing journey so far, and it has opened my eyes to both the difficulties and the deep purpose behind supporting people living with mental health challenges. Every day brings a new situation, a new story, and sometimes a new test of strength for both the patients and me. One of the biggest challenges is recognising that recovery is not a straight path."
Some days are filled with progress, conversation, and smiles. Other days feel heavier when someone is withdrawn, struggling, or losing hope. As a volunteer, I want to lift spirits, but I also have to respect each person's journey and emotions. Learning to be patient, to listen fully, and to offer quiet support when words aren't needed has been a powerful lesson."
"There are also moments where I feel unsure if I'm making a difference. The work can be emotionally demanding, and seeing a person in distress can stay with you long after you leave the ward. But it's exactly in those moments that I remind myself why I'm here."
Wellbeing support for volunteers - Just like our staff members, our volunteers have access to our range of wellbeing support and initiatives. This includes counselling, resources and training, chaplaincy and spiritual care support, shared spaces to reflect together, and much more.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
"What motivates me most is the connection in those small but significant moments when someone feels heard, valued, and not alone. A shared laugh, a conversation about music or memories, or simply sitting together during a difficult moment can change the tone of someone's day. Every little sign of trust and progress reminds me that even minor gestures can have a major impact."
"I am motivated by the resilience I see in others. People who are going through some of their toughest experiences still show courage, kindness, and determination. They inspire me to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep giving my time."
What has volunteering taught you?
"Volunteering on the ward has taught me that compassion is powerful, dignity is essential, and giving hope even in the smallest form is meaningful. The challenge keeps me growing, and the motivation comes from knowing that what I do matters, even when the difference isn't immediately visible."
"Continuing to support Hearsall Ward isn't just about helping others. it has become a deeply important part of who I am."
How did it feel to win Volunteer of the Year in the Trust Q Awards?
"Winning Volunteer of the Year was an incredibly emotional and unforgettable moment for me. I felt honoured, proud, and deeply humbled all at once. Volunteering is something I do from the heart, so being recognised in such a meaningful way was truly overwhelming."
"It made me reflect on the journey, the people I have met, and the impact I have been able to make, and it reminded me how important even small acts of kindness can be. Receiving the award has motivated me even more to continue giving my best and supporting both the staff and the patients I work with. It is a moment I will always cherish."
Inspiring stories like Taiwo's are not uncommon in our services. There is a dedicated community of volunteers at CWPT who an essential part of the difference we make, and we are grateful for every minute of support.
If you would like to join us, find out about volunteering at CWPT.