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Step into the vibrant world of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, where over 200 dedicated volunteers shine bright across our Preston and Chorley sites. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Trust, enriching the lives of patients and staff alike with their invaluable support.
From offering companionship on the wards to guiding patients and visitors through our sprawling sites, volunteers play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment. But volunteering is more than just lending a helping hand—it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences and personal growth.
Joining our volunteer family isn't just about giving back; it's about seizing the opportunity to stay active, forge new friendships, and embark on meaningful adventures. With a diverse array of roles to choose from, there's something for everyone, whether you're drawn to brightening someone's day as a befriender, cultivating beauty in our hospital gardens, or spreading joy through hospital radio.
Discover the joy of giving back while gaining priceless experiences and connections along the way. Join Lancashire Teaching Hospitals as a volunteer today and become part of something truly extraordinary!
Interested in Volunteering at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals?
We offer a wide range of rewarding volunteer roles where you can make a meaningful difference for our patients, families, and staff.
To help you learn more about available positions and what volunteering involves, we hold mandatory information sessions prior to application. Please note the following key requirements:
- Location: You must live within 10 miles of your chosen hospital to be eligible to apply.
- Information Session: Attending a session is a required first step before submitting your application.
- Interviews: Candidates will take part in a group interview session. Individual 1:1 interviews can be arranged if necessary.
Volunteer recruitment will open again in 2027.
If you would like to get involved in volunteering sooner than that, there are local organisations that can support you to find a role:
Preston Volunteers: https://www.preston.gov.uk/volunteering
Chorley Council: https://chorley.gov.uk/volunteering
You can also check the NHS Volunteer website for roles at other Trusts in the region: https://volunteering.england.nhs.uk/volunteer
- Meet our current volunteers
Zehran Punekar - Began volunteering in December 2023
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Volunteering as a Hospital Guide at Royal Preston Hospital has been a very fruitful experience. I have learnt much more than I expected when coming into this role. Each time I volunteer it is enjoyable - being able to interact with all sorts of people; helping them at a time of need; having great conversations with fellow volunteers and always learning something new makes the role incredibly fulfilling.
Elaine Green - Began volunteering in 2014
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I'm proud to say that I have been working as a Volunteer for almost 10 years at the Royal Preston Hospital. My rationale was/is to give something back to a wonderful organisation which has supported me and others for decades.
I have had great fortune of various voluntary roles during my time in service such as; Baby Beat/ Hospital Charites, Patient Feeding Scheme, Chaplaincy Services and also during Covid working within the Vaccination programme. Working as a volunteer has enabled me to draw upon my life skills, to develop new relationships and maintain a balance of physical and mental well-being.
I would and do encourage anyone to visit the role of a volunteer and feel the rewards which it has to offer.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for multiple roles?
Volunteers will only be able to apply for a maximum of two roles at a time. If, after a while in your role you decide that you would like to try something else in the hospital, that is not a problem. You would need to meet with the Volunteer Service Manager to discuss this.
Who can volunteer?
You must be over 16 years old to volunteer with us. There are some roles that are for people aged 18 and over so please check the role description before you apply. We do not have an upper age limit as we want people from all walks of life to bring their experiences to support us here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
We welcome UCAS student applications but that we cannot accept applications after the end of June, due to the amount of time the application process takes, we want to ensure that people have enough time to get some substantial volunteering completed.
Having a positive DBS check (past criminal record) does not mean that you cannot apply for a volunteering role in the hospital. We work closely with our workforce team to review each application on an individual basis. If we are unable to place you in a hospital role, we will ensure that you receive support from Preston CVS to be able to find an opportunity to make a difference in the community where you live.
- When can I start volunteering
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our thorough application process ensures that our Trust remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.
As part of the application process, we conduct various checks to uphold our commitment to safety. These include the essential Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, ensuring peace of mind for both volunteers and those we serve. Additionally, our Occupational Health assessment and Right to Work verification further guarantee a secure and inclusive environment.
We understand that waiting can be tough, which is why we strive to expedite the process whenever possible. While it may take up to six weeks for all checks to be completed, rest assured that we're dedicated to getting you started as soon as possible.
- Is there an age limit on volunteers?
We take volunteers from 16 years old onwards and there is no upper age limit. There are some roles that are only suitable for over 18 year olds though.
- What training will I receive?
We believe that learning and growth go hand in hand with making a difference. Before you dive into volunteering, we provide you with five online learning modules to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive. But that's just the beginning!
Once you're on board, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development. Whether you need additional training for your specific role or want to expand your skill set, we're here to provide the resources you need, when you need them.
We also ask volunteers to take part our Welcome to the Trust online learning sessions that provide valuable insights into our organization's values and mission.
- Can I claim back expenses?
Yes! Volunteers' expenses should be claimed back, we don’t want you to be out of pocket for giving up your time. Volunteers are also offered free parking spaces (although parking is limited) and meal vouchers depending on the length of your shift.
- Why should I volunteer with the hospital?
The impact you make extends far beyond the walls of our facilities. As a volunteer, you're not just lending a hand; you're shaping the very fabric of your community.
Volunteering with us opens doors to invaluable transferable skills and experiences that enrich your personal and professional life. Plus, you'll forge lasting friendships and gain a deeper understanding of how hospitals function.
We believe in rewarding our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. That's why we offer a range of exclusive benefits, including access to our cycle to work scheme, free NHS health checks to keep you in top shape, and complementary therapies to help you unwind and relax.
Volunteers are also able to sign up to get the Blue Light Card which offers those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store.
For further information please contact us:
01772 524 206
If you cannot find the role you are looking for here, please get in touch with Preston Volunteers and Community CVS who can offer you support to find the right volunteering opportunity for you: https://www.communitycvs.org.uk/volunteer/preston-volunteers/
