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 Meeter and Greeter at the main door or in other departments giving patients and visitors directions and escorting them. Ward Helper - work on the wards helping to make the patients stay in hospital more enjoyable. Meal Assistance - assisting patients' with eating and drinking. Clerical - helping behind the scenes with filing, photocopying, packing envelopes and errand running. Fundraising - helping the Fundraising Department with the organisation of events, distribution of draw tickets, mail-shots etc. in line with the business of Valley Hospital Charity 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 Companion - being a companion to unaccompanied adults in A&E. Dementia Buddy - become a specially trained volunteer who has a good understanding of Dementia and knows how to engage positively with Dementia patients. Valley Park Radio Volunteer - either become a presenter or help behind the scenes to deliver live and pre-recorded radio shows to patients through the Hospital radio station.
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.
How do I apply to volunteer? To volunteer at the Hospital or for the Charity please visit the Trust site Expand As all volunteering opportunities are based within the Hospital environment with vulnerable adults and children, all applications go through the stringent NHS process to safeguard our patients and staff. The volunteer application can be found on the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Volunteering page.
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.
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.
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