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About | Young Persons Volunteer Program FAQ's

About

The programme offers an opportunity to gain experience of being in a hospital, having contact with patients and also to provide an overview of how a hospital is run.

It is suitable for students in year 12 that live in or attend school in the Cambridge area 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 see the work experience pages.

 

> Work experience

 

Please note that the programme for 2011 is now full. We are now accepting applications for 2012.

 

What will I be doing?

You will be placed in one of the following roles in the same area for a minimum period of 16 weeks. 

 

Roles available:

• Ward helper (available over the mealtime periods, 11am-1pm or 4:30-6:30pm)
  Ward helper (45 KB)
  
  
• Clinic helper (only available Monday to Fridays 9-5pm)
  
  
• Library volunteering (anytime)
  Library volunteer (23 KB)
  
  
• Newspaper volunteering (mornings)
  Newspaper volunteer (23 KB)
  

 

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?

From 2012 onwards the programme will run continuously for 16 week periods. Starting in January and running until May then from May – August or August to December 2012. A 16 weeks commitment will be required.    

We can only accept applications from those who can commit to one session of 2 hours per week for at least a 16 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 in year 12 and above and living in or at school in the Cambridge area
• be able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have lived outside of the UK in the past 5 years

 

 

How to apply:

If after reading the information on this website you would like to apply please complete the enquiry pack request form and you will be sent an enquiry pack. You must then post back or email your application form.

On receiving your application form we will confirm by email an interview date.

The interview will be for approximately for one hour and will include completing a CRB check and an Occupational Health form.

Your placement will be organised while you are at this interview.

A date will be organised for you to come in and get your identification badge.

 

 

Young Persons Volunteer Program FAQ's

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

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.

 

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.

 

If I am successful how quickly can I start?

We can only start people at the beginning of each 16 week period.

 

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.

 

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 V.

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.

 

Can I volunteer for more than one term?

Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive for this programme we are unable to offer more than one term of volunteering.

 

 

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