Volunteering at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is about the small moments that make a big difference. A conversation. A reassuring presence. A helping hand at just the right time.

Every day, our volunteers support patients, visitors and staff by talking with people, working behind the scenes, or using their skills to support more specialist areas of care. We offer a wide range of opportunities across our hospitals and will help you find a role that feels right for you.

You do not need any previous experience, just a friendly attitude, a willingness to get involved, and the time to give something back.

Across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, around 300 volunteers generously give their time to help services run smoothly and enhance the experience of patients and families. In the past 12 months, they have contributed more than 14,800 hours of support across many areas of our hospitals.

Take a look below to see what volunteering could look like for you, and hear from our volunteers about why they chose to get involved.

Volunteering is a great way to use your time and skills to support others, and be part of our NHS community.

At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, our volunteers help people feel welcomed, supported and cared for every day.

People choose to volunteer for many reasons. Some have been patients or a relative of a patient and want to give something back. Others join to meet new people or gain skills that help with future employment opportunities. There is no better way of gaining an insight into working in a hospital than becoming a volunteer, it really does give you a unique perspective.

One of the best things about volunteering is that it works around you. You tell us what time you have available and we will do our best to match you with a role that suits your availability. Whether you are working, studying, retired, or simply looking to give something back, volunteering can fit around your life.

We just ask for a minimum commitment of six months so you can settle into the role, feel confident, and provide consistent support.

Even a small amount of your time as a volunteer can make a real difference to someone’s day.

These are some of the ways our volunteers currently make a difference:

Discharge Response Volunteers

Support ward and pharmacy teams to ensure safe, smooth patient discharge, helping ensure patients receive their medication at the right time.

Patient and Public Forum Volunteers

Help shape hospital services by sharing feedback and contributing to improvements in patient experience.

Hospital Telephone Support Volunteers

Support patients, relatives and carers through non-clinical telephone contact across different areas of the hospital.

Peony Volunteers (specialist support)

Offer companionship and comfort to patients at end of life, supporting both them and their families with care and presence. This is a specialist volunteering role.

Therapy Dog Volunteers

Support patients, families and staff through visits with registered therapy dogs.

Wayfinders

Help patients and visitors find their way around the hospital and offer reassurance when they arrive. Often, you are the first face someone sees.

If you feel inspired to get involved, we have a range of current volunteering opportunities available across our hospitals. Each role is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and fully supported from day one, so you can find something that suits your interests, skills, and availability.
Here are some of the ways you could make a difference.

Help patients get home sooner. Join us as a Discharge Response Volunteer at Worcestershire Royal Hospital

In this role, you will support patients as they prepare to leave the ward and move on to the next stage of their care. You will work closely with ward and pharmacy teams to support a smooth discharge process, helping deliver patients’ medication when needed.

There is a volunteering opportunity at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre to support patients ahead of their appointments through non-clinical phone calls. Hospital Phone Support Volunteers contact patients prior to their visit to confirm appointment details and provide reassurance and support.

Could you be someone’s lifeline on the landline, helping patients, relatives and carers stay connected by supporting communication and providing reassurance during what can be a stressful time?

Are you interested in supporting patients’ comfort and well-being during their visit to the Outpatients Department at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre?

We are looking for people who would like to join our Patient and Public Forum. As a member, you’ll act as a patient representative, helping us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. You’ll be invited to visit our hospitals, look at the environment and patient experience, and work with us on projects that help shape the future of our services. Members meet regularly as a group and work in partnership with the Trust in a variety of ways.

Ready to get started? The first step is simple — complete our volunteer application form.

Once submitted, a member of the team will contact you as soon as possible to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions.

Email : [email protected]

Call: 01905 733159

We look forward to welcoming you to the team.

1. Expression of Interest

To get started, simply complete our volunteer application form. Once received, a member of our team will contact you to talk through the next steps.

2. Welcome Session

You will be invited to a friendly welcome session with the Volunteer Manager. This can be online or in person and is an informal chat to explain the role and answer your questions.

3. DBS Check

After your welcome session, we will support you through an enhanced DBS check. This is a routine requirement in healthcare settings and is fully covered by the Trust.

We will support you every step of the way. Before you begin, you will complete a short set of e-learning modules and attend a welcome session so you feel confident from day one.

You will also receive a volunteer polo shirt and ID badge so patients, visitors and staff can easily recognise you. Free parking is available on site for all volunteers.

We have a range of volunteer roles available. If you can’t see something that feels like the right fit, contact us, we’d love to help you find a role that matches your interests. Roles change throughout the year, so we’re happy to keep your details on file and let you know when new opportunities open up.