Volunteering with us
Volunteers play an important role providing support to people who use our services. We are extremely grateful to all of our incredible volunteers for the work they do to support our patients and our colleagues in our mental health services, community and acute hospitals and for organisations that support us like our Leagues of Friends.
We have volunteering opportunities across a number of sites in Somerset. Information about the benefits of volunteering with us, what is required, where you can volunteer and how to apply is below.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering in the NHS is an incredibly rewarding experience that can benefit your self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing while you make a valuable contribution to the quality of people’s lives. Volunteering can help you gain valuable experience that can be a stepping stone into a new career.
What experience do I need?
We are looking for people aged 16 from our local communities who want to make a difference to the lives of others.
You don’t need any experience to volunteer with us – training and support is provided. Volunteers are not expected to have any particular knowledge of hospitals or healthcare – everyone can bring something valuable to volunteering. The important requirement is a desire to help and the ability to offer a regular half-day session a week.
How much time do I need to give?
This is very much dependant on each volunteer’s individual circumstances and how much time you are able to offer. All volunteers will be expected to do a minimum of 6 months of volunteering. Sessions can vary from 1.5 to 4 hours per shift. For a reference for a U.C.A.S application we expect you to volunteer your weekly sessions for a minimum of a year.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in volunteering within Musgrove Park Hospital or one of our community hospitals, and would like to discuss the opportunities that are available, please contact the hospital you wish to volunteer in alternatively call the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Volunteers Office on 01823 343447 or email volunteering@somersetft.nhs.uk to find out more.
If you wish to volunteer at Yeovil hospital please email volunteers@ydh.nhs.uk or call 01935 383183 and they will talk you through the roles that are available and the application process. Once your application has been received, you will be invited to attend an interview (currently happening over a digital platform), with one of the volunteer co-ordinators and a member of staff from the area you are applying for.
All volunteers will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references and a health declaration.