Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone volunteer?
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and prepared to be DBS checked as a mandatory requirement for voluntary work.
If you have recently been bereaved or are undergoing treatment we would recommend deferring your application for at least two years.
If you have recently been bereaved or are undergoing treatment we would recommend deferring your application for at least two years.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO GIVE?
This will depend on which department you volunteer in but as a rule of thumb we ask that all volunteers offer a minimum of 3 hours each week.
IS any training required?
In addition to mandatory training which is given as part of the hospital induction programme, you will receive all necessary training for your role prior to our start date.
can i join the friends without volunteering?
Yes. Absolutely. You can subscribe to become a Friend without volunteering. What this means is that you pay an annual subscription in return for which you will be part of a large association of Friends and will be regularly updated on Fundraising Events and activities. You will also be emailed regular copies of our newsletter and will be invited to attend our Annual General Meeting.
HOW MUCH IS THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND WHEN DO I PAY IT
The minimum Annual Subscription we ask for is £10 although many Friends pay more. You can pay annually as a one-off amount or, as many Friends choose to do, set up a monthly subscription. Subscriptions represent a large part of our fundraising and are very important to ensuring the continuation of our work in the hospital.
You will be asked to pay your Subscription on joining the Friends and then every year thereafter (unless you pay monthly by direct debit).
You will be asked to pay your Subscription on joining the Friends and then every year thereafter (unless you pay monthly by direct debit).
How do i become a volunteer?
Please contact the Secretary in the Friends office to register your interest.
Your details will be taken and you will be given a brief introduction into the role of the Friends in the hospital
If you then wish to apply, you will be sent all the relevant documentation to make your application.
Your application will then be considered and further details may be requested.
If there is a vacancy which maybe suitable you will be contacted and invited for interview.
You will be advised about mandatory requirements at time of interview which will be with our Recruitment Volunteer.
If you are interested in any suitable roles and you wish to proceed, you will need to complete all the necessary forms.
Two references will be taken.
You may withdraw your application at any time.
Your details will be taken and you will be given a brief introduction into the role of the Friends in the hospital
If you then wish to apply, you will be sent all the relevant documentation to make your application.
Your application will then be considered and further details may be requested.
If there is a vacancy which maybe suitable you will be contacted and invited for interview.
You will be advised about mandatory requirements at time of interview which will be with our Recruitment Volunteer.
If you are interested in any suitable roles and you wish to proceed, you will need to complete all the necessary forms.
Two references will be taken.
You may withdraw your application at any time.
HOW DO i JOIN THE YOUNG FRIENDS?
In the first instance, please contact the Friends Office. The Young Friends are very actively involved in Fundraising and are always interested in new recruits.
HOW DO i GET IN TOUCH WITH THE FRIENDS?
Please go to the Contact page for details.