Voluntary organisations within Addenbrooke's

...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 Addenbrooke's. 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 and share the same level of commitment as other volunteers. They are also subject to the same recruitment checks.

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.

We provide information on all these organisations at the Information Session. 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 lay visitors are trained volunteers who are Christians and are involved in ministering to patients and staff. Their work complements rather than replaces the work of the chaplains. Their main purpose is to help with the spiritual and social support of patients.

> Chaplaincy

Citizens Advice Bureau:

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their problems by providing free information and advice, based in our PALS Information centre.

> Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)

Friends groups:

These 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.

Radio Addenbrooke's:

Volunteers start by collecting radio requests from patients on the wards and can, after suitable training, help with the radio shows

> Radio Addenbrooke's

Red Cross Therapeutic Beauty Care:

Volunteers are trained to provide manicures and hand massages to patients on the wards, as well as a specialised camouflage service in Outpatients

> British Red Cross - Volunteer

Wallace Cancer Care:

Volunteers provide information, listening, empathetic support and guidance to cancer patients and their relatives. Volunteers also run a cocktail round on D9 before lunch.

> Wallace Cancer Care

Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS):

Volunteering for the WRVS is ideal for you if you want to contribute to the work of WRVS and the hospital, make new friends and help your personal development, whilst gaining experience in catering, retail and working in a hospital environment. Volunteers can be placed in pairs to offer a refreshment trolley service for patients in Addenbrooke’s’ busy clinics and wards or be placed in either one of two coffee shops on site (in the Oncology centre or the Outpatients Hall) offering a much needed service to patients, visitors and staff. There is also a new coffee pod in the Outpatients area (this will be the first WRVS coffee pod) where volunteers will work in pairs to serve patients, visitors and staff.  Call Helen Neale on 01223 216477 for more information or to apply.

> WRVS