Become a volunteer with NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale
The role of volunteers within NHS HMR is vital. Volunteers can help us enhance the services provided by our staff and assist us in improving and developing the care we give. Volunteers can carry out many roles to assist patient care and offer a valuable contribution to the thousands of patients and members of the public who visit our services every year.
Who can volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from all sectors of our community. Our volunteers come from a variety of different cultural groups and backgrounds. Our volunteer teams are made up of former patients and staff; students and members of the local community.
What about qualifications?
The great thing about volunteering is that anyone can take part, you don’t need qualifications. NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale’s volunteer programme provides support and training, therefore, you will receive all the guidance you need from our staff.
However, volunteering with us at NHS HMR could assist you in gaining qualifications.
What do volunteers do?
Our volunteer service reaches across all of the PCT and our volunteers are involved in all aspects of NHS HMR’s business. Our volunteers help us to enhance the services our communities use. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles, including:
- Assistance in health centres and clinics
- Assistance in our services
- Health Promotion Events
- Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- Meeting and Greeting
- Be-Friending Service
- Chaperoning
- Patient meeting/Advocacy Representative
- Reader’s Panel
- Interest Groups
- Discussion Groups
- Reference Groups
- Expert Patient Programme
What will happen to me??
Once you have registered an interest in becoming a volunteer you will be invited to come in for an informal chat. We need to find out a bit more about your interests and will ask a few questions about your aims and experiences. You may already have an area of interest, which you would like to pursue or you may want to see what we have to offer. Your views will help us to match you and your skills to the most suitable volunteer role.
Why do people volunteer?
People volunteer for a variety of different reasons. For some, it’s the opportunity to give something back to the community or a way of saying thank you for a good service they have received, whilst, for others it gives them the opportunity to develop their confidence and skills.
Volunteering within a health care environment can help you to try out a planned career within health services to see if it is right for you.
Volunteering can help promote good physical and mental health and can give a sense of wellbeing.
If English is not your first language, volunteering can help you to improve your English-speaking skills, learn more about other people and other cultures and help you develop more confidence.
Our volunteers also enjoy meeting new people and becoming part of our team.
How much time will I have to give?
The time you give us is flexible and depends entirely on what you can offer us. This is something that we will discuss during your informal chat and we can find something to suit you.
I want to be involved, what do I do next?
For further information please contact:
Amy Gibbons
Volunteer Coordinator
3rd Floor Telegraph House
Baillie Street,
Rochdale
OL16 1JA
Telephone: 01706 652884
Email: amy.gibbons@hmr.nhs.uk
Thank You for your interest,
We look forward to hearing from you
Please be aware that volunteers within NHS HMR may be subjected to a Criminal Records Bureau Check.
