What is the application process? The process when you have completed your online application form. Expand We will review your Online Application Form, and if we think there is a good chance of a mutually beneficial placement for you at the Trust, we will invite you in for an informal interview. This enables us to find out more about you and assess what you can offer us. If you are successful, we will invite you to join our volunteers, subject to satisfactory references, Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks and Occupational Health clearance. You will complete our training programme and then move onto specific placements at the Trust. Equality and Diversity commitment We aim for the Trust’s volunteers to reflect the communities we serve. This is a positive action statement as our volunteers are under-represented by male volunteers. We welcome male applications for volunteer posts.
What volunteering roles can I do? There are a number of roles that you can help with at the Hospital Expand Current volunteering roles at Darent Valley Hospital include: Ward Visitors help make patients’ time in hospital more comfortable by chatting, listening, reading and running errands. Meet and Greet Volunteers are located at the main entrance or in other departments giving patients and visitors directions and escorting them. Meal Assistant Volunteers assist patients with eating and drinking at mealtimes. Chaplaincy Volunteers offer spiritual, religious, pastoral and practical support to patients of all beliefs. This is more of a listening and responding role rather than about religion or belief. Caring Companions act as companions to unaccompanied adults in A&E. Dementia Buddy Volunteers are specially trained, have a good understanding of Dementia and know how to engage positively with Dementia patients. Pets as Therapy Volunteers (need to be members of PAT) provide general company to patients on wards/departments who respond positively to pets. Patient Feedback Volunteers promote and support the collection of patient feedback via the Friends and Family Test. Clerical Volunteers help behind the scenes with filing, photocopying, packing envelopes and running errands. Fundraising Volunteers help the Fundraising Department with the organisation of events, distribution of draw tickets, mail-shots etc. in line with the business of Valley Hospital Charity. Valley Park Radio Volunteers either present or help behind the scenes to deliver live and pre-recorded radio shows to patients through the hospital radio station. Current volunteering roles at Queen Mary's Hospital include: Ward Visitors help make patients’ time in hospital more comfortable by chatting, listening, reading and running errands. Meet and Greet Volunteers are located at the main entrance or in other departments giving patients and visitors directions and escorting them. Clerical Volunteers help behind the scenes with filing, photocopying, packing envelopes and running errands.
How long will it take to process my volunteer application? The application time can vary depending on our waiting list Expand We do operate a waiting list for our volunteers applications. In some areas where demand is high we will notify you that you have been added to our waiting list. If you would prefer not be on the waiting list then please let us know. We revisit this waiting list once placements become available and will get in touch. Once you have completed all your forms and been invited in for an interview, and provided sufficient ID, we will be waiting on your references and your Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) return. You will need an Occupation Health clearance too. This can sometimes take up to 3 months.
How much spare time do I need to have? Many of our volunteers live busy lives but still manage to find time to help others. Expand Being a volunteer is not a short-term commitment; we ask all our volunteers to give us at least three hours of their time a week for a year so we can create long-lasting and meaningful roles for them. Many of our volunteers have very full and busy lives and still manage to find time to help others.
What are the benefits of volunteering? Volunteering is good for you! Expand Volunteering enables you to: meet new people make friends learn new skills and build confidence look at a possible new career direction have a chance to give something back
Will I be asked to do something I don't want to? Each voluntary role has a clear description and is agreed with you. Expand No. Because we have a clear description of each voluntary role and this is agreed with you before you start.
What do I need to be a volunteer? Eligibility as a Volunteer Expand You need to: be over 17 be good at mixing with people enjoy helping others want to develop your own skills