Volunteering

Making a difference

Every day volunteers are making a big difference to the lives of patients, carers and staff across County Durham and Darlington.

Over 600 people are involved in volunteering activities across the Trust's hospital and community sites. Whether meeting and greeting people in outpatients, raising money or supporting the staff on wards, the helping hands of volunteers reach out to all parts of hospital and community life.

We very much value the contribution that volunteers make to our services. They support many different areas of the Trust, including helping on reception areas, supporting nurses in clinics, carrying out administration work, and becoming involved with the Chaplaincy, Friends of the Hospital, Macmillan centres and community services.

Why do we have volunteers?

• they complement the work of staff;
• they support patients, relatives and visitors;
• they help to promote a more friendly, personal and social atmosphere;
• they have extra time to chat with and listen to patients and their relatives;
• they choose to give their time freely for the benefit of others.

Our aims

• ensure existing volunteers feel valued;
• increase the recruitment of volunteers within the Trust;
• support everyone within the Trust involved in volunteering.

What do volunteers do?

• general support with wards and departments;
• assisting with meal times;
• hospital radio;
  welcoming (meeting and greeting);
• assisting in the Macmillan information centre;
• assisting within the Chaplaincy service;
• assisting with patient surveys.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

• it helps you to become involved in the community;
• you can benefit people;
• it can help you to return to work after a break;
• it can help you build your confidence;
• it helps you meet new people.

How do I become a volunteer?

If you are interested in becoming a volunter, please click on the 'Volunteer Information Pack' listed under 'Related publications', and contact the person named in your preferred area of interest (identified in volunteer profiles on Page 9). If you have any other queries, please contact the Patient Experience Team on Freephone 0800 783 5774.