Frequently asked questions about volunteering

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering

1. How can I become a volunteer at Addenbrooke's Hospital?
2. How old do I have to be to volunteer at Addenbrooke's Hospital?
3. If I work during the day am I still able to volunteer at the Hospital?
4. What is the time commitment?
5. What type of things do volunteers do?
6. Will I be working alone or with other volunteers?
7. I do not want to work directly with patients, is there something else that I can do?
8. Why does the process take so long?
9. I am not British, can I still apply?
10. Who's who in the Voluntary Services Office?

1. How can I become a volunteer at Addenbrooke's Hospital?

As you will see, there are several steps to take in order to become a volunteer at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The first step is to contact the Voluntary Services Department on 01223 586 616 or via this website, to request an enquiry pack. Please see the Application Process pages for more details.

> Enquiry form

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2. How old do I have to be to volunteer at Addenbrooke's Hospital?

The minimum age for volunteering at Addenbrooke's Hospital is 16, but there is no upper age limit, and we welcome applications from everyone. Volunteers aged 16 or 17 who are in year 12 must volunteer as part of the Young Persons Volunteer Experience Programme

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3. If I work during the day am I still able to volunteer at the Hospital?

Yes, there are opportunities for volunteers during evenings and weekends. These roles are: Ward Helper, Mealtime Volunter, Visitor, A&E Helper, Radio Addenbrooke's, Library, Newspaper, NICU helper.

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4. What is the time commitment?

Volunteers at Addenbrooke's Hospital commit to volunteering for a minimum of one session a week, for eight months to 1 year. Depending on the placement area, each session lasts 2 hours. Applicants must be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months from the time of starting volunteering (please note that the recruitment process takes between 2-3 months)

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5. What type of things do volunteers do?

Volunteers support many different departments throughout the hospital. For an overview of the opportunities please see the Volunteer Opportunities page.

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6. Will I be working alone or with other volunteers?

As there are a variety of volunteer opportunities at Addenbrooke's Hospital it is sometimes possible to volunteer with a partner (for example the WRVS, the library trolley) or on a one to one basis with patients and their families or staff. Several meetings and social events are organised throughout the year, to enable you to meet other volunteers in the Hospital

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7. I do not want to work directly with patients, is there something else that I can do?

Yes it is possible to volunteer in areas where there is little or no contact with patients. In these areas the focus is on supporting patients and their families indirectly by assisting the staff

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8. Why does the process take so long?

Our organisation provides services to vulnerable patients, and we have a moral, ethical and legal obligation to protect them. We also want to ensure that you are fully prepared to take on the duties of your volunteer position, and enjoy it. Therefore the process entails completing an application form, scheduling an interview, and completing a Health Questionnaire and Criminal Records Bureau Check. Applications can therefore take up to 3 months to complete.

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9. I am not British, can I still apply?

Yes you can, We may also ask you to provide a criminal record clearance certificate from your home country. 

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10. Who's who in the Voluntary Services Office?

Suzanne Rigby-Jones - Voluntary Services Manager

Juliet Tomlin is the Voluntary Services Administrator (with particular responsibility for the Young Person Programme)

Rhiannon Newcombe is the Administrative Assistant.

Contact any of the Voluntary Services team by emailing volunteer@addenbrookes.nhs.uk or phoning 01223 586 616

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