Young volunteers programme

Our young volunteers gain valuable experience in a hospital environment, while developing interpersonal skills and confidence in the workplace. They also interact and connect with people in the wider community during the course of their placements.

Many of our volunteers are keen to pursue careers in the healthcare sector, while others want to give back to their local hospital. Whatever the reason, all participants will gain access to training and development opportunities provided by the Royal Free London and the charity.

Our helpful volunteers provide companionship to patients who may be distressed, in pain or lonely. Through kindness and friendship, volunteers engage patients with conversation over a cup of tea or an activity they think of together. Small touches such as collecting a newspaper for someone or finding them a phone charger can make a huge difference.

The hospital experience can be particularly difficult to adjust to for a person with dementia and sadly they can deteriorate quickly during their stay. Volunteer dementia companions provide companionship with specialist tools, games, and friendship.

Having an activity to focus on for periods of time during their long hospital journeys can make a difference to how a patient feels and reacts to their ward environment. Volunteers are provided with dementia training before starting this role.

Our pharmacy support role helps with the running of the busy hospital pharmacies, and it is a great opportunity to get an insight into the profession. The role involves working in the dispensary, stocking items, assisting with deliveries and administration – all of which help to provide a positive experience for patients and relieves pressure on staff.

Meet and greet volunteers help lost, confused and anxious patients and visitors find their destination in the hospital. The role involves talking and listening to patients and essentially striving to provide a well-rounded service to all patients and visitors.