Volunteering
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Trust – it is such an important part of the services we provide and we very much see volunteers as a part of our Team North!
We have over 220 volunteers supporting and complementing our staff in over 35 areas, to enhance the patient, client, service user, visitor and carer experience.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is an excellent way to help in your own community and is a rewarding way to dedicate your time to a cause you care about.
Through volunteering, you can develop your own skills, learn new skills, achieve personal goals, take on new challenges and develop friendships.
Who can volunteer?
We welcome volunteers aged 16 years and over.
There is no upper age limit – we will support you to volunteer for as long as you feel comfortable, and willing to do so, and welcome a range of ages and appreciate the wealth of life experience.
Parental consent will be required for those under 18.
In some instances, it may be necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure. In these instances, the Trust will operate in line with the Access NI code of practice.
Volunteer opportunities within the Northern Trust
There are four main types of volunteer roles within the Trust:
- Activity volunteer: Activity volunteers are there to help enhance service user experience by assisting staff with activities that will support service users in the development of their own health and wellbeing. These include: hairdressing, beautician, nail technician, complementary therapy or oral historian.
- Befriender volunteer: A Befriender is there to provide regular support on a one-to-one basis, or in a group setting, to people looking to achieve greater independence. Befrienders can be based in a range of settings.
- Patient/ Client Peer Support volunteer: A Patient/ Client/ Peer Support Volunteer is there to offer encouragement, support and the appropriate information to service users. The various volunteer services involved with this role include: Breastfeeding peer support, and Bereavement Comfort Call.
- Service Support volunteer: A Service Support Volunteer will provide a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the experience of service users or visitors to the Trust, and support with accessing services. Service support volunteer services include: Drivers, hospital radio, service improvement and meet and greet volunteers.
We will share volunteer opportunities on our website and through our social media channels.
Opportunities are also shared on:
Who do I contact if I want to volunteer?
If you see a volunteer role which may be of interest to you, get in touch with our Volunteer Service.
Email: volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net
Telephone: 07443 314890 (Mon-Thurs, 8:00am-6:00pm)
How do I become a volunteer for the Trust?
The application process varies, but there a few key steps:
- Complete an application form, and return it by email to our Volunteer Service – Email: volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net.
If you require a paper copy of the application form, or other format, please let us know and we will send this to you. - Participate in an informal conversation with the role supervisor, to explore suitability
- Provide two references
If suitable, we will contact you and progress an Access NI check, if applicable.
Volunteer induction will also be required.
The application process usually takes approximately four weeks.
Frequently asked questions
At the outset:
- What can I offer as a volunteer?
You have valuable skills and experiences to offer, even with limited or no prior volunteering experience.
- What do I need to consider before volunteering?
Think about your available time, level of commitment, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- What skills and experience are needed?
This varies depending on the specific volunteer role, but many organizations offer training.
- How long do I need to volunteer for?
We ask volunteers to commit for a minimum of six months, with most volunteers usually attending one session per week for a few hours. We appreciate any time that you can give
- Is there a minimum/maximum age to be able to volunteer?
The minimum age to be able to volunteer is 16, we have no upper age limit.
- What support will I receive?
You will have a supervisor/coordinator along with relevant training, supervision, and opportunities for personal development.
- Can I volunteer from home?
Several of our roles offer remote or online volunteering opportunities.
- Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Some limitations may apply, and it’s best to discuss your situation with the volunteer manager, if you are unsure.
- Will volunteering affect my benefits?
Volunteering generally doesn’t affect benefits, but it’s wise to inform your benefits advisor.
- Do I require an Access NI check to be able to volunteer?
Some of our roles will require an Access NI check due to the nature of the tasks or the location in which you are volunteering.
- Is there any training provided?
All volunteers will receive general welcome and induction training with the Volunteer Service. Any additional training that is relevant to the role will be provided by the service ahead of commencing.
- Is work experience the same as volunteering?
Volunteering and work experience are two very different routes to follow. Those attending for work experience apply through their school or college careers advisor. Work experience placements are one off, time limited opportunities, which do not occur during volunteering sessions.
While in the role
- Will I be reimbursed for expenses?
Yes, as a volunteer you can claim for reasonable reimbursement for out of pocket travel expenses, including public transport, such as bus tickets or mileage costs – if using your own car and travel claim form.
Receipts must be presented along with any travel claim forms to validate the expenses.
- Do I need insurance to volunteer?
Drivers are required to inform insurance companies that they are using their vehicle for volunteering. Otherwise no insurance is needed.
- Can I leave a volunteer role if I don’t like it?
You are not obligated to continue if you are unhappy with the role – just let us know and we can pause or end your role.
- How much time will I need to commit?
The time you commit to volunteering is flexible and can range but usually 2-3 hours once a week.
- Can I volunteer with friends or family?
You can, but if your friend or family member is a service user, there may be a conflict of interest – but we will explore this on a case by case basis.
- I work in the Trust or have recently retired – can I still volunteer?
We welcome both staff and past employees with their wealth of expertise, but we will also have a discussion to ensure there are no conflict of interest and explore most suitable role.
- If I don’t like the role once I start volunteering, can I change it?
Where possible, we try to accommodate changes to volunteer roles, but this will be on the basis of availability of an alternative role and the volunteer’s suitability for a role.
- How much notice do I need to give if I wish to stop volunteering?
No notice is required, however, we would ask that you inform your supervisor and the volunteer service of your intention, to cease volunteering as soon as possible.
