Volunteering - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do volunteers do?

Depending on the area they work, our volunteers undertake a wide variety of activities including offering hot drinks to patients, helping with the completion of menu cards, undertaking errands, talking to patients and escorting people around the hospital. By doing that little extra, volunteers can brighten a patients day.

Do you need any skills to be a volunteer?

No, you don’t usually need any special skills to be a volunteer at St Mary’s hospital. Our volunteers are made up of a diverse range of people and it is more important that they have qualities such as friendliness, a sense of humour, reliability and a genuine wish and willingness to help.

How much of a commitment would I need to give?

Each volunteer decides how much time they are able to offer. Some people come in for three hours per week, others volunteer for one to two days a week. Normally volunteers will undertake one session of 3-4 hours per week. We do ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of six months so it is important to think carefully about whether volunteering will fit into your life on a regular basis.

Who can volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from the age of 16 whatever the sex and background. There is no upper age limit, providing you are reasonably fit.

How do I apply?

If you interested in volunteering, please contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Richard Dent for an informal chat.  You can download an application form as a word document or PDF document by clicking on them.

Once we have received your application form we will contact you to arrange a short informal meeting, so that you can find out more about volunteering and we can find out more about you! We will also ask you to complete a health questionnaire and a Criminal Records Bureau form, and we will take up two references from people who  have known you over two years (not a member of your family). This paperwork can take around 8-12 weeks to complete.

Once all the paperwork is done, new volunteers are invited to come in for a short induction and to arrange a starting date with the area/ward they are based in.

Contact us

Volunteer Co-ordinator,
St Marys Hospital,
Parkhurst Road
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 5TG
Telephone 01983 822099 ext 6246
Or email volunteer@iow.nhs.uk