Young person volunteer program

About | Young Persons Volunteer Program FAQ's

About

The programme offers an opportunity to gain experience of working in a hospital, working with patients and as part of a large team and also to provide an overview of how a hospital is run.

It is suitable for students aged 16-19 who are considering a career within a health care profession, including medicine.

This programme does not provide shadowing opportunities or any experience of providing clinical or personal care. If you are looking for any other type of work experience please contact the work experience team on 01223 49203.

> Work experience

What will I be doing?

You will be placed in one of the following roles in the same area for a minimum period of 12 weeks. 

Roles available:

• Ward helper (available over the mealtime periods, 11am-1pm or 4:30-6:30pm).
  
  
• Clinic helper (only available Monday to Fridays 9-5pm).
  
  
• Library volunteering (anytime).
  
  
• Newspaper volunteering (mornings).

General duties include:

• Observing the daily running of a department.
  
  
• Interacting with patients.
  
  
• Making patients’ time in hospital more comfortable.
  
  
• Clerical tasks.

We cannot place volunteers in Theatres, Children's Services, Maternity or Neurological wards

How long will I need to volunteer for?:

During 2010 the programme will run three times a year, with placements starting in January, April and September at set times for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Please note that from 2011 onwards the programme will run twice a year, starting in September and January only.   In September, at least 12 weeks commitment will be required.  In January, placements will be for 12 weeks or 6 months (with the option to extend over the summer holidays).

We can only accept applications from those who can commit to one session of 2 hours per week for at least a 12 week period.

What is required:

All students applying for this programme must complete a CRB check (which takes between 6-8 weeks to complete) and therefore you must apply at least 3 months before the placement is due to start.

Am I eligible to apply:

To volunteer on the young person program you must:

• have been a UK resident for the past 6 months (in order to complete the CRB check)
  
  
• be able to commit to at least 12 weeks of volunteering
  
  
• be aged 16-19

How to apply?:

1. You need to complete the online enquiry form in order to receive an application pack.
   
   
2. If after reading the information you decide you would like to apply you must complete the application form and post it to us or bring it with you to your CRB appointment
   
   
3. Ring the Voluntary Services Department on 01223 586616 to book an appointment for a CRB check.
   
   
4. Once you receive your CRB check through the post you should then ring the department (on the above number) to book an appointment for an interview.

Please note that if we do not hear from you within one month of applying we will assume you no longer want to volunteer and we will not proceed with your application.

Young Persons Volunteer Program FAQ's

1. Can I complete my 2 week work experience placement at Addenbrooke's?
2. Can I change the location of my placement if I do not like it?
3. Can I leave if I do not like it?
4. Do I need special skills or experience and will I need training?
5. I am from a local school - will I automatically get a place on the scheme when I apply?
6. Do I have to be an A* student to apply?
7. If I am successful how quickly can I start?
8. Can I spend some time with Doctors?
9. What's in it for me?

1. Can I complete my 2 week work experience placement at Addenbrooke's?

Yes you can. There are a range of administration placements available for year 10 / 11 students, organised by the Work Experience Department on 01223 349 203. Unfortunately we do not allow this age group to work in clinics or wards, or alongside clinical staff.

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2. Can I change the location of my placement if I do not like it?

Only under unusual circumstances will you be able to move to a different department. Please be sure to complete the application form fully and give as much information as possible, as this enables us to find you an appropriate department.

Should you decide to continue volunteering with us after one term, you will be given the opportunity to change department and/or role.

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3. Can I leave if I do not like it?

You are under no obligation to keep volunteering for a department that you are unhappy in. However we are unable to endorse or accredit participants that do not complete a whole term.

It is always worth talking to somebody about your concerns before you decide to resign. The Voluntary Services team are always happy to talk to you about your concerns at any time.

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4. Do I need special skills or experience and will I need training?

Working in a hospital can be demanding, both emotionally and in terms of the workload, and as a result you will need to enthusiastic and committed, have a mature outlook and be respectful of the environment you are working in. 

Participants will receive a general and local induction, along with an up to date handbook and regular supervision throughout the placement.

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5. I am from a local school - will I automatically get a place on the scheme when I apply?

Success is subject to the following conditions:

• Completing an application form.
• Successful interview.
• References from your school/college.
• CRB check   
• Occupational health check.

Local students are given priority, after which a first come/first served basis will apply, so we recommend you complete your application well in advance 

A completed application form is not a guarantee of a placement and staff in the Voluntary Services Team reserve the right to turn down applicants should they decide they are not suitable.

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6. Do I have to be an A* student to apply?

No, we are interested in supporting applicants who have a positive attitude and a commitment to getting the most out of their placement with us. A genuine interest in the hospital, health matters and supporting patients is a must.

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7. If I am successful how quickly can I start?

The programme runs from the beginning of each term. We are unable to start students mid term.

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8. Can I spend some time with Doctors?

Participants will come across doctors in their departments, but will not be able to observe them while they treat patients due to confidentiality and health and safety boundaries. The purpose of your role is to support the department through voluntary activity, and enhance the patient experience.

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9. What's in it for me?

At the end of each term, participants will receive an official certificate recognising their achievement, a written reference for their College and University Application Forms, and accreditation for schemes such as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Millennium Volunteers.

Participants will also be invited to become Foundation Trust Members and have access to "Medicine for Members" events, a regular events feature of the Foundation Team's calendar, offering the chance to find out more about what happens in a hospital through lectures and newsletters.

We also hope that in return for participating in the Young Person's Volunteer Experience, the hospital can offer you the chance to learn new skills, use your existing skills and expertise, develop new interests, meet people, and provide the opportunity to get involved.

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