Volunteer Hub
Adult Ward Companion-Support
Organisation Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (2026)
Sub theme: Hospitals and Hospices
Organisation Description: Join our team to support the community and gain meaningful experience!
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the diverse communities it serves by delivering compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting this mission, contributing their time and energy to enhance patient experience, staff morale, and service delivery across all hospital sites.
We value our volunteers as an integral part of our workforce, recognising their contributions through structured support, training, and national accreditation such as the Investing in Volunteers award. MFT fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and open communication, ensuring that volunteers feel empowered and appreciated in their roles.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a passion to make a difference and a willingness to give their time can apply to become a volunteer. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you have specific skills to offer or simply a desire to help, there are opportunities available for everyone.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, with no upper age limit, as long as they are able to perform the responsibilities of the role at MFT.
Where can I volunteer?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available across our hospital sites; however, please note that your preferred site may depend on availability and service needs. Our hospitals include:
Oxford Road Campus (ORC) – Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and University Dental Hospital of Manchester
Wythenshawe Hospital, Withington Community Hospital, Trafford General Hospital, and Altrincham Hospital (WTWA)
North Manchester General Hospital
Local Care Organisation (LCO), and Trafford Local Care Organisation (TLCO)
Description of role: ROLE PURPOSE
This volunteer role is designed to enhance the patient experience by offering companionship and helping to create a calm, and positive atmosphere on the ward. Volunteers will spend time engaging with patients through friendly conversation and simple activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness, and isolation particularly for those who may not receive regular visitors; by offering a warm and empathetic presence, volunteers support social interaction through games, reading aloud, or other light activities.
Volunteers provide emotional support by listening to patients’ stories or concerns, helping them feel heard and valued during their hospital stay.
You will:
• Support only those patients identified by the nursing team as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Provide face to face, peer support to patients, by helping to create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment.
• Spend time with patients through conversation, reading, playing games, or other simple activities.
• Assist patients with basic non-clinical tasks such as fetching water, magazines, or personal items within the ward.
• Assist ward staff with keeping a clean and tidy environment.
• Help patients access entertainment resources such as books, puzzles, or hospital TVs.
• Offer a friendly, respectful, and compassionate presence at all times to promote trust and emotional well-being.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold the values of dignity and respect.
• Be reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to different situations as they arise.
Please note: This role does not replace that of a member of staff. However, the volunteer will directly benefit colleagues by offering valuable support to patients during their stay.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE VOLUNTEER
• Report to the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge (NIC) at the start of each session.
• The volunteer will be introduced to a Nursing Assistant (NA) or Registered Nurse (RN), who will identify a suitable patient or small group of patients to support.
• Introduce yourself to the identified patient, obtain their verbal consent to offer support, and always use the patient’s preferred name.
• Provide a warm, positive and welcoming environment for patients on their arrival at each session.
• Listen, communicate and engage in conversation with patients to help reduce stress and feelings of isolation.
• Read to patients from newspapers, magazines, or books to promote cognitive function and improve mood by maintaining engagement with the outside world.
• Provide hand-rub therapy to patients (where appropriately trained) to promote wellbeing and relaxation using gentle massage techniques.
• Ensure patients have access to toiletries, clean pyjamas, clothes, and footwear during their stay, and notify the nursing team if any items are unavailable.
• Promote patient wellbeing by supporting and encouraging participation in suitable activities based on individual needs, such as puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku), games (draughts, chess, cards, quizzes), or other cognitive and fine motor activities. Volunteers should make use of the activity boxes where available.
• Offer support and information as directed by colleagues, in line with relevant training and NHS standards.
• Help maintain ward information, displays, and promotional resources, ensuring they are up to date and well presented.
• Assist staff with setting up and tidying away the relative’s room.
• Contribute to patient experience initiatives, such as Nurses Day, Hydration Week, and other local or national campaigns.
• Support colleagues with general enquiries and light administrative duties, including filing, laminating, photocopying, scanning, and processing incoming and outgoing post.
• Assist with patient and visitor support, including signposting and helping with simple hospitality tasks (e.g., making drinks).
• Support the collection of Friends and Family Test (FFT) data by engaging directly with patients and colleagues within clinical areas. Log incoming FFT cards and prepare them for onward delivery.
• Help deliver, distribute, and collect Patient Experience related surveys and posters across hospital wards and departments.
• Collate patient experience information to assist managers in preparing reports.
• Promote and uphold equality, diversity, and individual rights, ensuring that your practice is aligned with MFT policies. Take appropriate action if you witness behaviour that undermines these principles.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers, providing guidance and encouragement.
• Volunteers must follow all food hygiene and uniform guidelines, including:
- Hair tied back
- Bare below the elbows
- No jewellery
- No artificial nails, gel or acrylics
- Cuts must be covered with a waterproof plaster
- If in doubt, volunteers must always seek advice from NA/RN
RECORD AND REVIEW
• Observe sessions and complete a paper-based record.
• Submit the completed record to the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge, who will then upload the information onto HIVE.
TRAINING
• Ensure all Trust Mandatory Training requirements are completed and within date.
• Hand Hygiene and Infection and Prevention – Level 2
• Develop a working knowledge of Trust policies and procedures relating to patient care.
• Actively promote and support equality, diversity, and the rights of individuals, ensuring your practice aligns with Trust policies. Identify and take appropriate action if you witness behaviour that undermines these principles.
• Be prepared to adapt to new or different duties as required in response to service developments.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRACTITIONER SUPERVISING THE VOLUNTEER
• Provide the volunteer with a full orientation to the venue, ensuring they are familiar with the environment, safety procedures, and processes.
• Share all relevant information with the volunteer to enable effective support, including any cultural or religious considerations and any other special needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the volunteer, offering guidance, support, and regular communication to help them feel welcomed and valued, and to address any questions or concerns they may have.
The above responsibilities will also be covered in the training programme provided by the Voluntary Services team and the Ward Manager / NIC prior to the volunteer starting in this role.
Please note - you may volunteer on weekends and evenings following a successful induction period.
This volunteer role is designed to enhance the patient experience by offering companionship and helping to create a calm, and positive atmosphere on the ward. Volunteers will spend time engaging with patients through friendly conversation and simple activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness, and isolation particularly for those who may not receive regular visitors; by offering a warm and empathetic presence, volunteers support social interaction through games, reading aloud, or other light activities.
Volunteers provide emotional support by listening to patients’ stories or concerns, helping them feel heard and valued during their hospital stay.
You will:
• Support only those patients identified by the nursing team as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Provide face to face, peer support to patients, by helping to create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental environment.
• Spend time with patients through conversation, reading, playing games, or other simple activities.
• Assist patients with basic non-clinical tasks such as fetching water, magazines, or personal items within the ward.
• Assist ward staff with keeping a clean and tidy environment.
• Help patients access entertainment resources such as books, puzzles, or hospital TVs.
• Offer a friendly, respectful, and compassionate presence at all times to promote trust and emotional well-being.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and uphold the values of dignity and respect.
• Be reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to different situations as they arise.
Please note: This role does not replace that of a member of staff. However, the volunteer will directly benefit colleagues by offering valuable support to patients during their stay.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE VOLUNTEER
• Report to the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge (NIC) at the start of each session.
• The volunteer will be introduced to a Nursing Assistant (NA) or Registered Nurse (RN), who will identify a suitable patient or small group of patients to support.
• Introduce yourself to the identified patient, obtain their verbal consent to offer support, and always use the patient’s preferred name.
• Provide a warm, positive and welcoming environment for patients on their arrival at each session.
• Listen, communicate and engage in conversation with patients to help reduce stress and feelings of isolation.
• Read to patients from newspapers, magazines, or books to promote cognitive function and improve mood by maintaining engagement with the outside world.
• Provide hand-rub therapy to patients (where appropriately trained) to promote wellbeing and relaxation using gentle massage techniques.
• Ensure patients have access to toiletries, clean pyjamas, clothes, and footwear during their stay, and notify the nursing team if any items are unavailable.
• Promote patient wellbeing by supporting and encouraging participation in suitable activities based on individual needs, such as puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku), games (draughts, chess, cards, quizzes), or other cognitive and fine motor activities. Volunteers should make use of the activity boxes where available.
• Offer support and information as directed by colleagues, in line with relevant training and NHS standards.
• Help maintain ward information, displays, and promotional resources, ensuring they are up to date and well presented.
• Assist staff with setting up and tidying away the relative’s room.
• Contribute to patient experience initiatives, such as Nurses Day, Hydration Week, and other local or national campaigns.
• Support colleagues with general enquiries and light administrative duties, including filing, laminating, photocopying, scanning, and processing incoming and outgoing post.
• Assist with patient and visitor support, including signposting and helping with simple hospitality tasks (e.g., making drinks).
• Support the collection of Friends and Family Test (FFT) data by engaging directly with patients and colleagues within clinical areas. Log incoming FFT cards and prepare them for onward delivery.
• Help deliver, distribute, and collect Patient Experience related surveys and posters across hospital wards and departments.
• Collate patient experience information to assist managers in preparing reports.
• Promote and uphold equality, diversity, and individual rights, ensuring that your practice is aligned with MFT policies. Take appropriate action if you witness behaviour that undermines these principles.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers, providing guidance and encouragement.
• Volunteers must follow all food hygiene and uniform guidelines, including:
- Hair tied back
- Bare below the elbows
- No jewellery
- No artificial nails, gel or acrylics
- Cuts must be covered with a waterproof plaster
- If in doubt, volunteers must always seek advice from NA/RN
RECORD AND REVIEW
• Observe sessions and complete a paper-based record.
• Submit the completed record to the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge, who will then upload the information onto HIVE.
TRAINING
• Ensure all Trust Mandatory Training requirements are completed and within date.
• Hand Hygiene and Infection and Prevention – Level 2
• Develop a working knowledge of Trust policies and procedures relating to patient care.
• Actively promote and support equality, diversity, and the rights of individuals, ensuring your practice aligns with Trust policies. Identify and take appropriate action if you witness behaviour that undermines these principles.
• Be prepared to adapt to new or different duties as required in response to service developments.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRACTITIONER SUPERVISING THE VOLUNTEER
• Provide the volunteer with a full orientation to the venue, ensuring they are familiar with the environment, safety procedures, and processes.
• Share all relevant information with the volunteer to enable effective support, including any cultural or religious considerations and any other special needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the volunteer, offering guidance, support, and regular communication to help them feel welcomed and valued, and to address any questions or concerns they may have.
The above responsibilities will also be covered in the training programme provided by the Voluntary Services team and the Ward Manager / NIC prior to the volunteer starting in this role.
Please note - you may volunteer on weekends and evenings following a successful induction period.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Administration, Customer Service, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Location: