Apply here
Volunteering at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is a fantastic way to support your hospital and community.
Volunteers are a valuable part of our team and the support they provide is essential to the running of our service. We want to grow our volunteering team encouraging more people to get involved to support and enhance the patient experience with us.
We welcome volunteers from all abilities, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Everyone has something unique to offer and we are committed to ensuring our volunteers have a rewarding experience and their contributions are recognised.
All that we ask is that you have a genuine interest in helping others, are reliable and have the commitment to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer click the links at the foot of this page for further information on the volunteering roles we offer.
The minimum age to apply is 16 and we welcome applications throughout the year.
Benefits of volunteering
- You are providing help and support for others
- You are making a difference to the lives of others
- You are giving something back to the local community
- You will gain confidence and improve your self esteem
- You will gain new skills, knowledge and experience
- You will meet new people and gain friendships
- Will support entry into university or college
- Improve your opportunity for future employment
To apply, download our application form by clicking here and return it to the email address below.
If you would like any further information on becoming a volunteer or have any questions please email stsft.volunteer@nhs.net or telephone 0191 203 2918 or 07919045769.
We also have an easy-read version of the application form available on request. If you require support filling in the application form or would prefer to complete in person or have the application posted out to you please give the Volunteer Liaison Coordinator a call to make arrangements.
Volunteer FAQ
Want find out more about what volunteering for our Trust involves?
Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions
Dementia Friend
Volunteers will assist and support staff in welcoming patients, relatives, carers and visitors and staff to help improve the lives of people living with dementia.
They will be able to spend time with patients during their inpatient stay enhancing their experience of being in hospital and help give them some stimultation in a hospital environment.
Dining Champion
The volunteer’s role is to assist the ward staff and patients during mealtimes in our hospitals.
Emergency Department volunteer
As a volunteer in the Emergency Department, you will help patients, visitors and staff feel welcome and supported.
You’ll offer a friendly hello, serve drinks, help patients contact family and support with simple tasks like walking to the bathroom or using check-in screens. You may also chat, read or do light activities to help patients feel more relaxed.
ICAR volunteer
Intermediate Care Assessment and Rehabilitation (ICAR) in Houghton is a community based, 24 bedded rehabilitation unit.
Volunteers with the service will assist and support staff in welcoming patients, relatives, carers and visitors.
They will help with activities for those in its care and support patients during their stay.
Mobility Volunteer
This role will help patients maintain existing levels of mobility and independence while staying in hospital by encouraging them to go for walks or engage in chair based activity or exercise.
Daily activity is important for older patients to prevent muscle wastage and can lead to earlier discharge, improved chance of independent life at home and help prevent falls.
Navigator
As a Navigator Volunteer, you’ll be a friendly face welcoming patients, visitors and carers to the hospital.
You’ll help people find their way, answer questions and offer support with things like parking machines and self-service kiosks. You may also walk with patients to their appointments and spend time with them on wards if needed.
Pharmacy volunteer
As a Pharmacy Runner Volunteer at South Tyneside Hospital, you will help hospital staff by collecting and delivering medication and paperwork between the pharmacy, wards and departments.
You’ll be a friendly and helpful presence, making sure items get to the right place quickly and safely. You’ll also spend time with patients, helping with simple tasks like completing surveys or supporting virtual visits so they can stay in touch with loved ones.
Activity Support Volunteer
The volunteer’s role is about giving the patients some stimulation within the hospital environment.
Ward Helper
As a Ward Helper Volunteer, you will support patients during their hospital stay by offering friendly company and helping with simple, non-clinical tasks.
You’ll spend time chatting, reading or doing activities like arts and crafts to help patients feel more comfortable and engaged.
You may also help with mealtimes, surveys, and virtual visits and assist patients with small tasks like walking to the bathroom or freshening up.
Volunteers can also share personal skills such as music or crafts to brighten a patient’s day.
Click on the links below to find out more:
Haven Court
Volunteers will assist and support staff in welcoming patients, relatives, carers and visitors. They will be able to spend time with patients offering help to assist with non-clinical activities during their inpatient stay, enhancing their experience.
Patient Experience Volunteer
As a Patient Experience Administration Volunteer, you will support the Patient Experience Team by helping with surveys, organising information packs and delivering important materials across hospital sites and in the community.
You may also help patients complete surveys using paper forms or iPads, and assist with collecting and entering data. Sometimes, you might be asked to help as a companion to patients or take part in events that support patient wellbeing.
Learning Disability Support Volunteer
Volunteers will spend time with patients who have been identified as having a learning disability offering help to assist with non-clinical activities on the ward during their inpatient stay, enhancing their experience of being in hospital.
Veteran Support
Volunteers will assist with making veterans feel welcome in the trust and will offer support to veterans on the wards with a range of tasks. Click here for more information.
Macmillan Volunteer Role
The role is to spend time with patients, relatives, carers who need emotional and practical support.
Discharge Support Volunteer
Volunteers in this role will be a friendly and helpful point of contact on the phone.
This will involve talking to carers who have any discharge-related queries.
They will liaise with ward staff and the discharge team.
Hospital Radio Volunteer
This role involves visiting the wards to collect requests from the patients at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Volunteers will also take part part in the fundraising activities of the station and be involved with live programmes, including football commentaries.
Medical Equipment Library Support
This role involves volunteers assisting and supporting staff in collecting medical devices and delivering them to patients.
This is a non-clinical activity based in the Medical Equipment Library and visiting each ward in the hospital on the morning collection round.
Mental Health Peer Support Volunteer
This role involves volunteers assisting and supporting staff in welcoming individuals to community mental health activities and helping to deliver these sessions across Gateshead.
This is a non-clinical role focused on building relationships, offering a listening ear, and supporting people to engage in meaningful activities provided by the Mental Health Peer Support Team.
