By Eve Naden – Volunteer coordinator CVS Cheshire East 

Volunteering is a great way to make a real difference and connect with people who care as much as you do. In an increasingly difficult society, volunteering not only strengthens resilience but reinforces a culture of compassion and empathy. Nowhere is this more impactful than in a hospital, especially in our current volunteering crisis. In 2023, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found that volunteering among adults had dropped from 11% to 6%1. For an organisation like the NHS, volunteers are immensely valued—and if you’re looking to give back, it’s the perfect opportunity to do something that matters.  

Without mentioning the coronavirus elephant in the room, I’m sure we all know a health professional or an NHS staff member that has helped us, a friend, or a family member in some way. Whether providing a service or simply offering support – even clarifying some information or a process – there is no denying that we are lucky to have the NHS. So, why not volunteer? 

There are plenty of reasons to volunteer with the East Cheshire NHS Trust. Not only is it a great way to meet new people, but it’s also an also an excellent opportunity to build your CV and gain experience, as well as using your skills to help others. Currently, we have over 190 volunteers working with us, and they each bring something wonderful to their role, whether it is a patient-facing role such as the reception volunteers, ward helpers or an administrative role.  

Throughout your application, you have the chance to shape your experience. You can voice which areas you’re interested in and what you aim to achieve during your volunteering journey. Whether you’ve got some spare time and are looking for something meaningful to do or you’re hoping to later work in a hospital environment, this might just be the perfect opportunity for you. Even if you begin in one role, such as a Welcome Volunteer greeting and directing patients, you can always request to change roles if you discover something else that you’re passionate about. Our strategy seeks to streamline your application so you can get stuck in as quickly as possible. Everyone should volunteer at some point in their lives – whether to keep building confidence during difficult times or gain experience outside of school – and volunteering with East Cheshire NHS Trust provides a plethora of unique opportunities.  

Ready to start your journey? Apply here: https://volunteering.eastcheshire.nhs.uk/