Volunteer
We recognise the value our volunteers bring to Medway Community Healthcare by providing vital support to our teams and patients.
For volunteers, being part of our organisation offers you the opportunity to develop new skills and improve your employability. Giving time to your local community can also be extremely rewarding.
As a volunteer you will work alongside our staff as part of a professionally trained and skilled workforce enhancing and supporting the delivery of high quality care. This can be either through direct contact with patients and their carers or as part of the invaluable workforce operating behind the scenes to support services.
There are many varied roles we can offer you as a volunteer, including; specialist positions such as a complementary therapist or bereavement counsellor at the Wisdom Hospice as well as in the community supporting new mothers, driving patients and assisting with administrative tasks.
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Benefits of volunteering
There are many benefits from volunteering including:
- Personal satisfaction
- Contributing to other’s wellbeing
- Increasing confidence and meeting new people
- Feeling valued and having the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference
- Improving your own health and wellbeing
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How do I become a volunteer?
To find more about what is expected of our volunteers please view responsibilities then contact the appropriate person:
Volunteering in community health: Kim Reynolds
Volunteering at the Wisdom Hospice, Rochester: email
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Responsibilities and expectations of volunteers
Becoming a volunteer holds certain responsibilities and expectations, to protect you, our staff and service users. Below is a list of our expectations:
- give a minimum of 1 year commitment to volunteering
- fulfil the duties and responsibilities set out in the volunteer task specification/risk assessment, as agreed with the voluntary services manager
- positively represent Medway Community Healthcare
- comply with all policies and procedures
- wear a visible identity badge at all times
- participate in identified training, taking responsibility for ensuring their statutory and mandatory training is up to date
- raise any issues of concern relating to voluntary work with the voluntary services manager
- undertake voluntary work without using it to generate business
- inform voluntary services manager if you are charged with or convicted of any offence subsequently upon applying to volunteer
- inform voluntary services manager or relevant member of staff if you are unable to attend, if possible, in advance
- give reasonable notice if unable to continue volunteering, returning identify badges and any other organisation property
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Requirements of a volunteer
To become a volunteer you will be required to:
- attend an interview
- complete a volunteer application form
- complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check
- provide two referees details
- sign and agree to a confidentiality agreement, task specification and to complete all identified training that is provided.
Role of the voluntary services manager
The voluntary services manager recruits volunteers; organising your activities and matching your skills, particular interests and time availability to services. They support and develop your role as a volunteer and promote good working relationships with staff and other volunteers.