Volunteering

‘Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside one’s immediate family. It is undertaken freely and without concern for financial gain.’

We are fortunate to have over 520 volunteers working alongside staff in our hospitals and community facilities such as residential homes for both children and elderly, training & resource centres supporting clients with physical and learning disabilities.

Volunteers work alongside staff in a range of roles specifically designed to enhance services. The fantastic contribution they make has helped to improve the lives of our patients and clients.

We welcome volunteers from the age of 16 years. Experience is not always essential. Training and support is provided. Where possible we endeavour to adapt tasks to suit the needs, abilities and interests of individual volunteers.

We want our volunteers to get something back from volunteering. Our volunteer roles can provide opportunities for people to try something new, build confidence, develop skills and gain experience to improve career prospects. Our volunteer roles also offer the opportunity for those who wish to help others and give something back to their community. Volunteering with us enables you to meet new people, develop friendships and have fun.

Volunteers aged between 16 and 24 years can register for the Millennium Volunteer Award Scheme. Providing recognition for volunteering hours achieved in the form of a certificate that can be presented to universities or prospective employers.

Ward Volunteers Needed

Could you volunteer as a Ward Volunteer, or do you have family members, relatives or friends who would like to volunteer? If so Volunteer Services are looking for Ward Volunteers in the Ulster Hospital to support the staff and patients at mealtimes. Volunteers will help staff distribute meals and support patients to open wrapped food / cut up food or encourage patients to eat their meals independently.

This will involve the volunteer being on the ward for approximately 1 hour to support patients at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Mealtimes are:

Breakfast 7:30-8:30am

Lunch 12-1pm

Dinner 5-6pm

These times are approximate, depending on the delivery of meals and number of patients requiring support.

If you are available at any of these time and would like to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services on volunteer@setrust.hscni.net

Volunteer Roles

Voluntary Laundry
Voluntary Laundry Services Lisburn has been running for 30 years, supporting clients who are living in their own homes in the Lisburn area. Once a week, volunteers use their own cars to deliver clean laundry to the homes of elderly clients and those suffering from terminal illness. This service is invaluable to families at a very stressful time.

Meeter & Greeter
The role of the Meeter & Greeter was initially set up in the Ulster Hospital to help patients/visitors to find their way to wards/departments. When the volunteers started they found some patients/visitors often required a level of comfort and emotional support when going to/coming back from a medical appointment or visiting a sick relative. The role has proven to be of great benefit and therefore we implemented the role on the Downe Hospital, Bangor Hospital and Ards Hospital sites.

Activity volunteer – Training & Resource Centre
Volunteers assist staff with activities to support clients in development of their health and wellbeing. There are a diverse range of activities, for example, cookery, art & crafts, genealogy and computer skills.

Ward Helper – Hospitals
Ward Helpers are placed on wards within Ulster Hospital, Lagan Valley Hospital, Ards Community Hospital, Bangor Community Hospital and Downe Hospital. Their role is based around befriending, but volunteers also support patients at mealtimes, helping to improve their nutrition.

Virtual Telephone Befriender

These Volunteers befriend someone who may be feeling lonely and isolated whilst in hospital or living in their own home. This may be via a telephone or other means such as skype/WhatsApp/Zoom video call etc.

Cardiac Investigations Delivery Driver

The Volunteer will deliver Cardiac Monitors during Covid19 to those patients who are vulnerable and/or self-isolating and the Volunteer will then return this Monitor to the Hospital after 24/48 hours.

How do I become a Volunteer?

You need to complete a simple application form, giving us your contact details and providing names of two referees and complete an Access NI form.

We are currently happy to accept scanned copies of your application form, references and ID. We will complete a short Zoom chat with you to verify your identity following receipt of your ID.

We will guide you through the process and help in any way we can to make it as simple as possible.

We will discuss possible volunteer roles with you and help you to choose a volunteer role that is most appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take from when I apply to when I can start volunteering?

We aim to process your application and have you started within 8 weeks. This process can be sped up if relevant paperwork (ID documents, references) is sent through promptly.

Is there any training provided?

All volunteers will have an induction session with their key worker and any relevant additional training will be provided depending on the role.

Do I need insurance to volunteer?

Drivers are required to inform insurance company that they are using their vehicle for volunteer work.

If I don’t like the role once I start volunteering can I change it?

The volunteers decide what role they want to work in whilst they are going through the application process so hopefully this should reduce the risk of people not liking where they are placed. However if needed the volunteers can be moved on to a different role.

Can I claim back any travel/car parking expenses?

Any mileage that you do in your volunteering role you claim back using a travel claim form. Volunteers are reimbursed for travel at a rate of 37p a mile. Volunteers are reimbursed for out of pocket expenses for:
Bus tickets
Rail tickets
Car park tickets
All receipts must be kept in order to claim any money back

If I have to stop volunteering how much notice do I have to give?

No notice required however we would ask that you inform your key worker and volunteer services.

How long do I have to volunteer for?

You can volunteer for as long as you want for.

If I have any queries in regards my application who do I contact?

Please contact Volunteer Services on Tel: (028) 9056 4817 or if you prefer email please contact volunteer@setrust.hscni.net

Millennium Volunteers

South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust is a Millennium Volunteer Partner!

This means we can offer our younger volunteers the opportunity to have their commitment to volunteering recognised.

The Millennium Volunteers scheme enables our volunteers aged 16-25 to record their volunteering hours and achieve certificates to recognise their commitment, skills and experience gained through volunteering.These certificates are endorsed by employers and universities!

It’s a simple process with as little or as much commitment as you decide. You will receive a booklet to record your volunteering hours. You can even backdate hours volunteered over the last 6 months.

Achievement Award

50 hours certificate signed by the Chairman of the SE Trust

100 hours certificate signed by the CEO of Volunteer Now

200 hours certificate signed by the Minister for Education presented at an awards ceremony

Why not get the recognition you deserve!