St Leonard's Hospice
Ward Youth Volunteer Programme
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Are you thinking about a future career in healthcare?
Want to build confidence, meet new people, and get real experience in a clinical environment?
Our Ward Youth Volunteer programme
This programme is designed especially for 16-25-year-olds who want to try out what it’s like to support patients and work alongside healthcare professionals.
Please note: A standard DBS check is required for all Ward Volunteers.
When does it run and how do I apply?
We offer 14 places on each programme:
- You’ll need to complete an application form by the end of Sunday 4 October.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a ward visit and interview during the week commencing 12 October.
- Before you begin volunteering, there will be a group induction and training session during the week commencing 19 October.
You’ll be expected to commit to a regular weekly shift at a time that works for you. Shifts take place Monday to Sunday, with a choice of 4 shifts per day. Shift times are:
- 7:45am - 9:30am
- 9:15am - 1pm
- 12:45pm - 4pm
- 3:45pm - 7pm
Shifts will start the week commencing 2 November and run through to the week commencing 9 February 2027, finishing at February half term.
What will I be doing?
As a Ward Volunteer, you'll be helping our ward team by:
- Spend time with patients, as guided by ward staff. This could include chatting, reading, playing a game, doing a simple craft activity or sitting with them.
- Help the ward run smoothly by being a friendly point of contact for patients and visitors, taking messages, restocking essential items, and letting staff know about low stock or damaged equipment.
- Preparing hot and cold drinks for patients and visitors and keeping the visitors’ drinks bay tidy and well stocked.
- Help at mealtimes and with simple tasks, such as wiping tables, offering hand wipes, taking meals to patients, clearing away afterwards, and wiping surfaces down.
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You will also complete a workbook based on Skills for Health’s Care Standards. This will help you record and reflect on your experiences and what you have learnt during your time with us. The aim will be to give you content you can use to complete a university application or to prepare for a job interview.
The programme ends with a celebratory careers evening and certificate presentation, recognising your commitment, learning, and personal development.
Please note that the role does NOT include any personal care or clinical tasks.
What experience will I gain?
You’ll become a valued member of our Inpatient Unit team building important skills that will support your future education or career:
- Communication skills through spending time with patients, families, and staff
- Collaboration and teamwork by working alongside the ward team and other volunteers
- Problem-solving skills by responding positively to day-to-day challenges in a real-life clinical setting
- Dependability by committing to regular shifts and being a reliable part of the ward team
- Resilience by building confidence and adapting to a busy and sometimes emotionally challenging environment
- An innovative and curious mindset, learning about healthcare and asking questions along the way
- Self-awareness and adaptability, reflecting on your experiences and adjusting to different situations and people
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Dress Code
You’ll need to wear:
- A St Leonard’s Hospice polo shirt and apron (we will provide these)
- Dark trousers (no jeans please)
- Flat, comfortable shoes (no open-toed shoes or heels)
For infection control:
- Change into your volunteer uniform on-site
- Be “bare below the elbow” (no watches, bracelets, or rings except a plain band)
- Short nails, no polish, no false nails
- Tie long hair back and remove earrings before your shift for safety
What skills do I need?
We're looking for people who are:
- Interested in a career in healthcare
- Friendly, kind, and respectful
- Able to follow hygiene and infection-control procedures
- Reliable and able to work independently once trained
- Good communicators who aren’t afraid to ask for help
- Motivated to support patients, visitors, and staff
- (Optional) Experience in customer service, hospitality, or care — but it isn’t essential
- Aware of the importance of confidentiality
Support & Training
You won’t be doing this alone!
- Ward Volunteer Champions will be your main day-to-day contact.
- The Volunteer Services Team will guide you through the application and induction process.
- You’ll receive training before you start as well as the opportunity to give feedback throughout the programme.
Who are we?
St Leonard’s Hospice provides compassionate care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families. Our volunteers are a huge part of what we do — people of all ages and backgrounds who make an incredible difference every day.
If you have any questions, contact our Volunteer Services Team:
- 01904 777765
- volunteers@stleonardshospice.org.uk
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