Voluntary organisations within CUH

...all working under the Voluntary Services Department

Each year, hundreds of volunteers give up their free time on a regular basis to help patients throughout the Trust. You can join us by applying to support one of the voluntary organisations that are here or directly under the Voluntary Services Department.

Our patients benefit from the involvement of a variety of voluntary organisations. Volunteers that come under these organisations have to follow the guidelines and regulations of that organisation, however all work closely with the Voluntary Services Department.

Some of the organisations, such as The Red Cross and The WRVS, have a long association with the hospital. Others, such as The Citizens Advice Bureau are relatively new acquaintances, however their contribution is just as welcome and no less valued.

For legal and insurance reasons it is important that all volunteers are entered in the Register of Volunteers, which is kept by the Voluntary Services Department. Our department ensures that volunteers are suitably trained and can work safely throughout the Trust.

Chaplaincy:

Chaplaincy volunteers are trained lay visitors whose help complement the work of the chaplains by assisting with the spiritual and social support of those in hospital. Volunteers visit patients on a particular ward one morning a week contacting and befriending those with faith and those without, or even those who are somewhere in the middle. Others help by ministering to people on a Sunday morning.

• Volunteers must be recommended by their local minister or spiritual leader
• Volunteers must be over the age of 18
• Volunteers receive training over a 10 week period, which includes talks and discussions on topics such as communication and grief and loss. You will also be able to practice visiting skills.

How to apply: Contact the Chaplaincy Department on 01223 217 769 or email: chaplaincy@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

> Chaplaincy

Citizens Advice Bureau:

CAB have a drop-in centre near the main reception where volunteers are trained up to be full advisers in order to give members of the public and patients advice and information regarding benefits, debt, housing and other issues.

The drop-in centre is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays 10–4pm.

How to apply: Contact Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau
on 01223 222 664 or email cabadmin@cambridgecab.org.uk

Fundraising/Friends volunteers

Volunteers run a tea bar in the Rosie Hospital and help raise funds both in and outside the hospital to buy aids and comforts for our patients.

Throughout the year the Friends of Addenbrooke’s Group need volunteers to help with fundraising events, such as at the summer party. They are also looking for people who can bring fundraising ideas to the group and help with running regional events or for people with PR and marketing skills.

> Friends of Addenbrooke's

Radio Addenbrooke's:

This is the hospital radio service, where patients can listen to daily shows. This service provides ‘music as therapy’ and is suitable for those interested in media, music and people. Volunteers start by visiting the wards to collect requests and engage with patients. Volunteers can then be trained to deliver their own daytime or evening show. 

How to apply: recruitment open evenings are run throughout the year. Visit the Radio Addenbrooke's site to register for one of these sessions, where you will get the opportunity to meet members of the team and find out more:

> Radio Addenbrooke's

Red Cross Therapeutic Care:

Red Cross train volunteers to provide a therapeutic care service to patients, offering manicures and hand and back massage. This is a very popular service, with volunteers receiving many requests from a variety of wards. Volunteers have to be over the age of 18 years and receive training for the role, followed by the opportunity to shadow an existing volunteer for their first session.

How to apply: Contact the Coordinator on 01223 868 685 for an application form and more information.

> British Red Cross - Volunteer

Wallace Cancer Care:

Volunteers provide information, listening, empathetic support and guidance to cancer patients and their relatives.

> Wallace Cancer Care

WRVS:

WRVS have a coffee pod and two coffee shops at Addenbrookes, which offer a much needed service to patients and staff. They also have a trolley service that offers refreshments and toiletries to patients on the wards. This is an exciting opportunity to join a sociable organisation, working with others and offering an opportunity to gain experience in catering.  This organisation makes a real difference to both patients and staff - the profits from WRVS’ two coffee shops and trolley services go back into the hospital to help improve services.

How to apply: Ring the WRVS Manager on 01223 244749 to arrange an initial meeting or to receive an application pack.

> WRVS