A new volunteer to NHS career scheme launches in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) successfully secured £25,000 of funding from Health Education England to launch a new initiative encouraging volunteering in community hospitals in Lincolnshire.

The Volunteer to Career initiative is designed by clinicians and aims to inspire volunteers to take up professional NHS roles and equip them with the appropriate tools and knowledge to thrive.

This scheme is run by Helpforce and aims to encourage an increase in the number of volunteers who have an interest in pursuing a career in health and care after their volunteering experience. 

Jayne Negus, Volunteer to Career Project Manager, at LCHS said: “I am so pleased to be supporting this initiative. 20 years ago, I started as a volunteer in an NHS physiotherapy department. This gave me the opportunity to develop a career in the NHS and I went on to become a qualified occupational therapist.

“It’s wonderful that I am able to help volunteers expand the skills and capabilities that will help them join the NHS ranks in paid roles.”

LCHS is focusing on recruiting community hospital ward volunteers in Skegness and Spalding. Volunteers are vital on our wards to provide stimulation and company for patients.

Some of the tasks these volunteers will help with include meeting and greeting visitors or doing activities with patients such as games, puzzles and crafts. Volunteers keep patients company, by engaging in conversation and supporting at mealtimes by handing out meals or encouraging patients to eat and drink.

In the coming months, the Trust will roll out additional clinical and non-clinical volunteering roles in locations across Lincolnshire.

Ceri Lennon, Director of People and Innovation, at LCHS said: “Our volunteers play such an important role in our services and we are so thankful for their support.

“As part of this initiative, we are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to be able to complete qualifications, learn new skills, meet new people, be part of a team and potentially develop a career in the NHS.”

If you’d like to find out more about the volunteer to career scheme, please visit the LCHS website.