NCIC is highlighting the variety of volunteer opportunities available during volunteer week and says it can also be a good route to a career in the NHS.

As well as currently recruiting to roles including meet and greet and activities support for those with dementia, we have also secured funding for a brand new volunteer to career programme which will start in the summer.

Volunteer to career can provide a direct route in to work in the healthcare sector. It is ideal for people who are interested in a career in healthcare and would like to gain an insight into the various roles that the NHS offers to see if it’s for them.

No other experience or qualifications are needed. This programme is open to our internal volunteers and also external candidates.

It’s a 7 to 12 month programme beginning in July 2023 with a commitment to complete a minimum of 60 hours volunteering.

The programme supports your completion of the National Volunteer Certificate, Care certificate and eLearning standards provided by NHS England.

You will be supported each step of the way and will have a mentor who will help you learn the skills you need.

Layla Wilson is the Volunteer Recruitment and Compliance Lead at NCIC she said: “Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. It can help to prevent stress, isolation and anxiety.

"The social contact that comes from helping and working with others will have a positive effect on your overall psychological well-being, and is extremely rewarding."

Anne Welsh is NCIC’s longest-serving volunteer, beginning in 1995. Before becoming a volunteer, Anne was sister in at the Cumberland Infirmary and had been working as a nurse for 30 years.

Anne volunteers for a couple of hours a week on Aspen ward, speaking with patients, making beds, and helping with anything that is required of her.

Anne added: “The hospital feels like home and where I feel comfortable after it being my place of work for so long. I like speaking to patients on the ward and introducing them to each other so they feel comfortable chatting in what can be an isolating environment."