Volunteering Opportunities

Zehran Punekar - Began volunteering in December 2023

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.