Available roles

East Cheshire NHS Charity are looking for volunteers to support them with organising and delivery of fundraising events.

If you are a friendly and enthusiastic person, with good communication, organisational skills and a basic understanding of computers, we would love to hear from you.

Tasks include:

- Supporting the Fundraising and Events Manager to organise events
- Liaising with local businesses regarding events and donations
- Administration tasks 
- Attending Fundraising Events to promote East Cheshire NHS Charity and supporting on fundraising stalls
- Selling raffle tickets and other fundraising tasks

Volunteering is a great way to:

- Gain experience for your CV.
- Develop new skills and build confidence.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
- Give something back to the local community.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Charity, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

We are looking for volunteers to support with maintaining the ward gardens throughout the hospital.  The gardens are a great area for staff and patients to enjoy fresh air and also complete activities that help promote recovery and engage them whilst they are in hospital

If you enjoy gardening or would like to start gardening we have a wonderful, knowledgeable team that would love you to join them.

Tasks include:

•    Weeding and general tidying of the garden 
•    Pruning of shrubs and other planting as necessary (seasonal) 
•    Watering as necessary
•    Cleaning and maintenance of garden furniture
•    Arranging the disposal of garden rubbish 
•    Pressure washing of paths (annually)
•    Helping enhance the general area for all
•    There will be no interaction with patients / vulnerable people

Volunteering is a great way to:

- Develop new skills and build confidence.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
- Give something back to the local community.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

Are you interested in training to become a volunteer breastfeeding peer supporter?

We will be delivering the six-week course (2.5 hr weekly sessions virtually) starting in the spring. 

We are looking for volunteers who have breastfed themselves for a minimum of six months and live within Cheshire East. 

Once trained, the opportunities are to volunteer in one of our community-based Cherubs groups, on the postnatal ward at Macclesfield Hospital or through an innovative approach supporting women via telephone, virtually and face to face which begins antenatally and continues until around eight weeks after baby is born. 

We are also going to be starting a support group in Crewe for families where English isn't their first language and are particularly looking for Polish and Romanian volunteers.

The minimum period of volunteering is six months from completion of your training. 

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you are interested or would like any further information, please contact us on 0300 1234 579 or cherubsbreastfeeding@nhs.net.

One third of people with dementia experience loneliness (NIHR, 2020). Loneliness in Dementia can be due to sensory loss, including visual and hearing impairments, and changes in cognitive functioning, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (Karska, et al, 2024). Lack of social interaction and stimulation is linked to further cognitive decline. 

Memory Lane Volunteers aim to reduce loneliness whilst in hospital, providing stimulation and engagement, thus, improving quality-of-life and support for those living with dementia and their carers whilst in hospital.

ROLE SUMMARY – KEY AREAS:

•    A Memory Lane Volunteer will provide 1:1 companionship and befriending within Macclesfield General Hospital.
•    A ‘Memory Lane’ Volunteer will aid in enabling patients with dementia to feel engaged and involved, reducing social isolation and lack of stimulation. 
•    The Memory Lane Volunteer will undertake activities that maintain wellness, such as jigsaws, colouring, reminiscence, etc.
•    Your involvement will aid people to feel confident, active, and focus on their strengths and abilities, reducing fatigue, and improving wellness whilst in hospital.
•    This role will also aid a sense of ‘personhood’ recognising uniqueness of patients, including their hobbies, likes, and interests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    To visit a person with whom you have been matched with (by the Admiral Nurse and/or Ward Manager), building a positive relationship with them.
•    To provide company and companionship to this individual.
•    To complete a visit sheet after each interaction, demonstrating activities that took place, and time spent.
•    To liaise with staff on the ward where appropriate.
•    Make and engage in activities of a stimulating nature, this includes memory boxes, reminiscence, board games, colouring, arts and crafts, listening to music, reading, and so on. A volunteer pack will be created for ideas and engagement for volunteers to use to inspire them.
•    To provide companionship, reducing loneliness and social isolation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This role may be for you if:

•    Are 16 years old or above.
•    You want to help people with dementia stay active and stimulated
•    You are passionate about supporting individuals to improve quality-of-life and reduce social isolation.
•    Have knowledge of dementia, or willingness to learn.
•    Have good communication skills.
•    Able to maintain confidentiality, and show this in practice
•    Willingness to attend induction and relevant training to this role.
•    Are comfortable following role specification, including understanding of role limitations.
•    Punctual and reliable
•    Recognise protected characteristics and promote equality and promote dignity.
•    Subject to DBS check.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

•    You will be required to attend the Memory Lane Induction training and participate in further training and network events that are offered.
•    Ongoing support/supervision will be given by the Admiral Nurse and Volunteer Lead.
•    Regular reviews will take place, with opportunities for peer support.
•    Regular newsletters and updates will be provided via the Memory Lane Volunteer Service and sent to you via email.

The Customer Care Team at Macclesfield District General Hospital are looking for a warm and friendly volunteer to support them with reception cover.  

If you are a kind and compassionate person, with good communication skills and a basic understanding of computers, we would love to hear from you.

Reception volunteers support activity in the Customer Care department by:

Signposting visitors or patients attending the hospital to various departments.
Using NHS computer systems to help visitors locate patients within the hospital (full training will be provided)
Answering the telephone.
Inputting Blue Badge permit details into the system.
Responding to minor queries.
Volunteering is a great way to:

Gain experience for your CV.
Develop new skills and build confidence.
Meet new people and make new friends.
Give something back to the local community.
Help others.
As part of the application process, applicants are required to undergo a DBS check. This is covered by East Cheshire NHS Trust.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

We are looking for caring and passionate people who want to make a difference by joining our volunteering team.  Providing excellent, high-quality care is our priority and we want volunteers who share our vision to come and join us.

The role our volunteers do make such a difference to our staff, patients and visitors, and the Trust is very grateful for all of their efforts. Volunteers play a valuable role across the hospital and within our community. The hours and duties are adapted to fit in with the lives and interests of the volunteer, with some supporting during the days and some in the evenings or weekends. 

For those considering a career with the Trust, this role has been identified as part of a the volunteer to career pathway which will help provides experience and exposure to all aspects of delivering an Urgent Community Response (UCR) and Virtual Ward (VW) service.

Role Overview:

The Urgent Community Response (UCR) service aim is for patients registered with an East Cheshire GP who are at risk of unnecessary hospital admission and require an urgent response to address care and medical needs within the community. Response is within 2 hours (8am – 8pm) and will be provided by the most appropriate professional.

The Trust’s Virtual Ward (VW) service supports patients who would otherwise be in hospital, to receive the acute care, remote monitoring and treatment they need in their own home or usual place of residence. 

The service offers many benefits to patients who can be treated in the familiarity and comfort of their own homes and surroundings. At the same time, virtual wards reduce patient waiting times and system pressure on the NHS by helping to prevent avoidable admissions or support early discharge out of hospital.

Operating under the supervision of the UCR and Virtual Ward our volunteers will help support the service, including staff, patients and family whilst maintaining respect for individuality, confidentiality, and the dignity of all patients.  

Role Profile:

• Arranging patient transport via our discharge lounge or volunteer drivers should this be required.
• Talking/chatting to patients at home both in person or on the phone as appropriate, to help with their confidence and well-being while they are being supported by UCR or VW.
• Collection of medication from a local pharmacy and delivering it to the patient’s home. 
• Supporting the nursing team with admin duties including printing, photocopying, filing and the transportation of telehealth equipment. 
• Supporting patients in their home by encouraging them with everyday tasks; this may include, shopping, befriending, making a sandwich/hot drink and ensuring the heating is on following discharge from hospital etc. 
• Contacting patients, relatives and carers to seek feedback on their UCR or VW experience in order to contribute to service development and improvement. 
• Following a feedback visit ensure patients are appropriately signposted or referred to other services as needed with support from the Hospital at Home coordinator. 
• Supporting patients who may need to attend the trust for investigations whilst on the virtual wards.

Additional information

These roles are available Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm and the Trust asks for a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week for all volunteering activity.  A Hospital at Home coordinator will be available for the duration of any shifts for support. 

Training

You will be required to undertake Trust induction training, wheelchair use training, Local services training and any other training deemed appropriate. This may include dementia awareness training.

DBS

An enhanced DBS (no fee) will be required for this role which the Trust would help you apply for. 

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

The Outpatients Team at Macclesfield District General Hospital is currently looking for Ward Helper Volunteers.

Ward Helpers support activity in the department by:

• Meeting and greeting patients
• Making refreshments for patients
• Talking to anxious patients
• Assisting patients in wheelchairs
• Helping staff with general admin and tidying (includes washing up cups)

Volunteering is a great way to:

• Gain experience for your CV
• Develop new skills and build confidence
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Give something back to the local community
• Help others

Hours available throughout the week (Monday to Friday)

As part of the application process, applicants are required to undergo an Enhanced (with adults barred) DBS check. This is covered by East Cheshire NHS Trust.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

The ward teams at Macclesfield District General Hospital and Congleton War Memorial Hospital are currently looking for Ward Helper Volunteers.

Ward Helpers support activity by:

• Meeting and greeting patients
• Making refreshments for patients
• Talking to anxious patients
• Assisting patients in wheelchairs
• Helping staff with general admin and tidying
• Running errands for patients and staff
• Supporting at mealtimes

Volunteering is a great way to:

• Gain experience for your CV
• Develop new skills and build confidence
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Give something back to the local community
• Help others

Hours available: Various. We particularly need volunteers between 11am-2pm (Monday to Sunday).

As part of the application process, applicants are required to undergo an Enhanced (with adults barred) DBS check. This is covered by East Cheshire NHS Trust.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.

We are looking for people to join our busy welcoming service based at Macclesfield District General Hospital. Our Welcome Volunteers provide a meet-and-greet service to patients in the following locations:

• Main Reception
• Outpatients
• Accident and Emergency
• Orthopedic Outpatients
• New Alderley House – Breast Screening Clinic

For you, good customer service will be a priority - you will be patient and compassionate, whilst having good communication skills.

During the session you will find yourself doing a range of tasks:

• Pushing patients using wheelchairs to their destination
• Giving out directions to people who have just arrived on site
• Encouraging people to use the outpatients' check-in kiosk
• Completing errands and additional requests
• Answering many ad hoc inquiries

If you want to be that first friendly face that people encounter, this may be the role for you!

As part of the application process, applicants are required to undergo a DBS check. This is covered by East Cheshire NHS Trust.

To find out more information about volunteering at East Cheshire NHS Trust, please click here.

If you would like to discuss the role with a member of the Volunteer Team, you can contact us on ecn-tr.volunteering@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call 01625 661974.