Why volunteer?
We all have busy lives, it can be very difficult to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits can be enormous to you, your family and your community. The right role can help you to learn new skills, gain confidence and even advance your career. Whatever your motivation, volunteering has proven benefits to both mental and physical health. It can increase self-confidence, combat depression or low mood and help you stay physically healthy.
Helping others kindles happiness. As ward volunteer Mushi told us:
‘I absolutely love volunteering and one of the student nurses gave me such a great feedback about how I am making a difference, especially to one of the male patients (98 years who had low mood). I even had tears in my eyes. I am happy that I can contribute to the community. It is an AMAZING feeling!’
Volunteering here should feel rewarding, and never just another chore on a to-do list. It isn’t always easy – the hospital is a busy and at times sad or upsetting place to be. We acknowledge that volunteering here is sometimes challenging. However, it is…
A great place to volunteer
We’re proud that Cambridge Universities Hospital (CUH) is a great place to volunteer. Here’s why:
We create meaningful roles where volunteers have direct contact with patients and can see for themselves the difference they make
We provide free on-site parking, travel expenses (up to 30 mile round trip), discounts for a range of local services and products and access to the Frank Lee sports and leisure facility (see here)
We provide a comprehensive induction and optional on-going training opportunities
We appreciate volunteers’ service and attendance and acknowledge these with certificates, badges and celebration events
We have a dedicated team of staff in the Voluntary Services department to support our volunteers
We understand that each applicant’s motivation to step into volunteering is unique to them. For example:
– Sue was inspired to give something back after her husband had been treated here
– John was looking for a volunteer opportunity that allowed him to join a well organised and supported team
– Amanda was inspired by seeing another volunteer talking with patients
– Leah was seeking a challenge for personal growth
– Andrey wished to gain experience for a possible career in the NHS ng a difference for patients
Volunteering is a fantastic way to help others in your community, while increasing confidence, improving interpersonal skills and developing insight. Volunteering is definitely a two way venture, providing significant benefits for both the volunteer and the organisation. Our volunteer roles are fully supported and are carefully planned to make a positive difference for patients and their families whilst providing meaningful roles for volunteers, too.
In return, from volunteers we require:
- A minimum commitment of 6 months (50 hours)
- A regular commitment, usually once a week for around three to four hours (two hours for young volunteers)
If you require work experience or shadowing, please contact our work experience department.
There are lots of opportunities to volunteer. Please follow these links to see how volunteers are needed in our local community, and how we are working together to help patients both on campus here at Cambridge University Hospitals and in the Community.
Volunteers join with staff in helping give our patients the best experience possible.
Our values of Together-Safe-Kind- excellent apply equally to volunteers and staff.