Volunteering

    

There will be no volunteer registrations until further notice

Thank you for considering volunteering!

Hopefully we can provide you with the necessary information and support from the point of your initial volunteering enquiry through to commencing as a volunteer with the Northern Trust.

The Northern Trust values the distinctive and worthwhile contribution made by volunteers and strongly believes that volunteers, in partnership with paid staff, enhance the quality of care and services provided to patients, clients and/or residents.

What is a volunteer?

‘Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside (or in addition to) one’s immediate family. It is unpaid and undertaken freely and by choice.’
(Join In, Get Involved: Build a Better Future, DSDNI, March 2012)

Volunteering offers an array of benefits including the opportunity to:

  • Meet new people with similar interests
  • Try something new and have fun at the same time
  • Develop new skills or use current skills
  • Experience different health care environments.

Research has also proven that volunteering can also have a positive impact on an individual’s physical and mental health and well-being (Health Benefits of Volunteering; A review of recent research, Washington DC 2007).

What types of volunteer roles are available in the Northern Trust?

The Northern Trust is committed to involving volunteers. They welcome and greatly appreciate the contribution volunteers make on a daily basis and recognises the purpose and value of their role. We strive to offer volunteer roles that are varied, rewarding and fun. Some volunteer roles include:

  • Meet and greet team
  • Adult Centre/Day Centre
  • Gardening
  • Library
  • Complementary Therapy
  • Mealtime companions
  • Ward companions
  • Activity provider
  • Clinic
  • Hospital radio
  • Programme volunteers
How can I become a volunteer?

The Northern Trust launched their Volunteer Policy and Procedures at the end of 2011 and a Volunteer Co-Ordinator is available to support and guide you through the application and induction process.

In most cases, you do not need any specific experience to undertake volunteering but in all cases we do look for enthusiasm, motivation, commitment and a genuine interest in volunteering.

If you wish to get involved as a volunteer in the Northern Trust we would encourage you to contact the  volunteering office well in advance of when you hope to commence volunteering for the Registration pack. The process involved in becoming a registered volunteer with the Trust may take up to eight weeks and consists of various stages including a police check and an occupational health appointment. Please do not worry as the volunteer office will endeavour to support you through this process which may seem initially daunting. Before you become a volunteer it is helpful for you to think about why you want to become a volunteer, what type of volunteering you would be interested in, how much time you could offer and what particular skills you may have to offer. Prior to making a final decision to volunteer within the Trust, you will meet the manager of the facility where you will be volunteering and you will also be invited to attend a volunteer induction to meet the Volunteer Co-Ordinator and receive key information about volunteering. 
Is there guidance on when I should register my interest to become a volunteer within the Northern Trust?

The table below is a guide to when the Northern Trust makes registration packs available to those individuals interested in volunteering. This is designed to ensure the process in completed in time for Easter and Summer holidays which is when demand and interest in volunteering opportunities is at its peak. There may be other volunteering opportunities at other times throughout the year and these will be placed on the website. 

 

 

Recruitment Month

Completion of police checks, Occupational Health Appointment and Volunteer Induction

 

To commence volunteering

 

 

January

February/March

 

 

 April

 

April

 

May/June 

 

July

 

July

 

August/September 

 

October

 

October

 

November/December 

January

The Trust has introduced Volunteer Recognition Awards for those Northern Trust volunteers who have dedicated 5, 10, 15 and 20 years to volunteering. The Volunteer Co-Ordinator will actively promote and recognise the dedication shown by volunteers when opportunities arise.

Northern Trust Volunteer Office
Health Improvement and Community Development
Naomi Centre
2 Cullybackey Road
Ballymena
BT43 5DF
028 2563 6600

Other useful links to volunteer agencies:

VOLUNTEER NOW
www.volunteernow.co.uk
34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT27 DBE
T: 028 9023 2020
info@volunteernow.co.uk

Causeway Volunteer Centre
www.causewayvc.org
14 Killowen Street
Coleraine, BT51 3TP
T: 028 7035 8285

Cookstown and Magherafelt Volunteer Centre
www.cookstownmagherafeltvc.org
Magherafelt Volunteer Centre
55 Rainey Street
Magherafelt
BT45 5AF
T: 028 7930 1862

Cookstown Volunteer Centre
6 Loy Street
Cookstown
BT80 8PE
T: 028 8676 1122

Page last updated:02 May 2013