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We have around 400 volunteers supporting the NHS, who tirelessly and generously give their time to our hospitals and services for patients and visitors. We have a caring approach, and with the goodwill and dedication of all our volunteers we aim to enhance the quality of patient lives and encourage the local community to be involved with Dorset HealthCare.
I really enjoy my role working with patients - gardening, painting and helping with social events. I can also see how it helps the staff.
I was a service user (Poole Pain Clinic). My life improved learning about self-management and feeling supported by the wonderful team, so I decided to give back and volunteer for the service
I gained great experience of the NHS by volunteering – it helped me get a job
Volunteering gives you purpose in life to help others you help yourself, by caring for others while keeping positive and active.
Volunteering is very important to Dorset HealthCare. We encourage, value and support the efforts of individuals who give their time and energy to benefit the Trust and our patients. We welcome applications for volunteering from across our community and know that volunteers bring with them a diversity of experiences, backgrounds, skills, ages and outlooks which offer added value to our Trust services.
The minimum age is 16 although in some areas of the Trust the minimum age is 19. There is no upper age limit; however the volunteer must be physically able to fulfil the duties of the role. We ask for a minimum commitment of six months to enable you to get the most out of your volunteer experience and to attend at least once a week.
Volunteering roles at the Trust are varied, interesting and rewarding. Our volunteers help with a wide range of tasks including:
We try to make becoming a volunteer as easy as possible, but our volunteers do need to complete a recruitment process that includes an online application form (or call us and we’ll send you a paper version). We’ll also complete a disclosure and barring process (DBS), which checks criminal records – not all convictions prevent you from volunteering. Please don’t worry we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you would like more information about opportunities available or full details of the application process please contact:
Kim Mansbridge | Volunteers Development Lead Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust 11 Shelley Road Bournemouth BH1 4JQ Tel: 01202 443089 Email: dhc.volunteers@nhs.net
There is no money, there is no fameAnd it’s not for personal gainIt’s just to help the human raceAnd show a kindly faceTo give others the gift of timeCan be something that definesIt’s that feeling of prideYou know the one, deep insideSo let us say, we appreciateAll the efforts that you makeTo help others every yearThat makes you a VOLUNTEER
Written by Kim Mansbridge our Volunteers Development Lead
