Applications open for summer volunteer programme for young people

2 June 2021

Helping patients to find their way to their appointments, supporting the COVID vaccination programme or setting up virtual meetings between patients and their family are just some of the activities young people could find themselves undertaking this summer when they sign up for a volunteer programme at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

The young volunteers summer programme is run by the Royal Free Charity to give young people aged between 16 and 23 the opportunity to gain experience in a healthcare setting at either the Royal Free Hospital or Barnet Hospital.

Zoe Oliver, the charity’s young volunteer programme coordinator, said: “We had to pause placements because of the pandemic so we’re delighted to be in a position to restart the programme over the summer. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to give their CV a boost or for those who want to give something back to their local community.”

The volunteer placement lasts for 10 days from 26 July to 5 August at Barnet Hospital and from 9 August to 19 August at Royal Free Hospital. Those taking part will need to be available from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, preferably for all 10 days of the programme though there may be flexibility to accommodate individual circumstances.

All young volunteers receive an induction before starting the placement and they will receive a certificate and reference on completion of their volunteering.

The young volunteers will be volunteering only on wards that do not have COVID-positive patients. Infection control protocols and guidance will be in place and volunteers will be provided with the appropriate PPE. They will need to take lateral flow covid-19 tests twice a week for the duration of their programme. These tests are provided to them when they start their volunteering.

This role is open to over 16s (with parent/guardian consent for under 18s).

To find out more and apply, visit our Young Volunteers webpage.