Volunteer Hub
Medicinema
Organisation Details
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (2026)
Sub theme: Hospitals and Hospices
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
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: Description of main requirements of the role:
• Report to the Cinema Manager at the start and end of every session.
• Assist with any re-arranging of cinema equipment and light cleaning required in auditorium prior to and following film screening.
• Support patients identified by the Cinema Manager / MediCinema Nurses as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Escort patients to/from auditorium as directed by the Cinema Manager or MediCinema Nurses (this could include walking alongside patients, pushing a patient in a wheelchair or bed (once trained)). The patients will be risk-assessed by the Ward/department and approved by the Cinema Manager / MediCinema Nurses in advance.
• Ensure you introduce yourself clearly to each patient, obtain verbal consent before any interaction, and address them using their preferred name.
• Provide a warm, welcoming environment for patients, to help them feel at ease.
• Supporting the supervision of patients in the auditorium while they wait for the film to start, and throughout the screening.
• Supporting crafting and colouring activities in the auditorium before and after selected screenings.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Cinema Manager and/or MediCinema Nurses.
Safety & Restrictions
You must follow all Hygiene Standards:
• Hair tied back
• Bare below the elbows
• No jewellery or artificial nails
• Cover cuts with waterproof plaster
• Ensure hands are cleaned before supporting a patient, either by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser where handwashing facilities are not available.
You must NOT:
• Move or lift patients, as this must only be undertaken by trained healthcare professionals
• Push a patient in a wheelchair unless trained
• Push a patient in a bed unless trained
• Access patient records
• Escort patients off hospital premises
• Accompany a patient without authorisation or instruction from MediCinema colleagues
• Handle patient complaints
• Provide clinical care to patients
• Provide personal care (e.g. toileting, feeding, or changing patients)
• Lift, pick up, or hold patients.
Details of any specific skills / attributes required by volunteer:
• Be physically fit and able to push wheelchairs/beds and walk considerable distances.
• Be reliable, dependable, and flexible.
• Have strong listening skills.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality.
• Have a positive outlook and an enthusiastic approach.
• Be willing to volunteer with minimal supervision, while following instructions.
• Complete Trust mandatory training.
• Successful candidates will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Volunteers are expected to work within the placement guidelines agreed by the Voluntary Services Department and MediCinema, and to maintain confidentiality during the placement and after it ends. Volunteers must be considerate and respectful, and communicate effectively with staff, patients, and members of the public. Volunteers must comply with the Trust’s Health & Safety policy and play an active role in reducing the risk of infection.
MediCinema and MFT will provide volunteers with:
• An MFT induction and on-site tour.
• Trust mandatory training.
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• A volunteer ID badge (for ward access where required).
• A MediCinema T-shirt/uniform.
• Ongoing support and role-specific training from the Cinema Manager.
Role and Responsibility of the MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse supervising the volunteer
The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse is responsible for orientating and guiding the volunteer to ensure they can carry out their role safely, effectively, and in line with Trust expectations, particularly in key areas such as infection control. The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse selects appropriate patients for the volunteer to support. The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse also ensures the volunteer understands which patients must only be supported by clinical staff due to higher care needs or safety risks.
Responsibilities include:
• Providing a full orientation of MediCinema, ensuring the volunteer is familiar with the environment, safety procedures, escalation processes, and day to day routines. An appropriate local induction checklist will be completed.
• Share all relevant information to enable the volunteer to offer safe and appropriate support, including any cultural or religious considerations and any specific patient needs that may influence their interactions.
• Acting as the volunteer’s main point of contact, offering guidance, reassurance, and confident in their role. This includes addressing any questions, concerns, or issues that may arise.
For more information contact: manchester@medicinema.org.uk
• Report to the Cinema Manager at the start and end of every session.
• Assist with any re-arranging of cinema equipment and light cleaning required in auditorium prior to and following film screening.
• Support patients identified by the Cinema Manager / MediCinema Nurses as appropriate for volunteer interaction.
• Escort patients to/from auditorium as directed by the Cinema Manager or MediCinema Nurses (this could include walking alongside patients, pushing a patient in a wheelchair or bed (once trained)). The patients will be risk-assessed by the Ward/department and approved by the Cinema Manager / MediCinema Nurses in advance.
• Ensure you introduce yourself clearly to each patient, obtain verbal consent before any interaction, and address them using their preferred name.
• Provide a warm, welcoming environment for patients, to help them feel at ease.
• Supporting the supervision of patients in the auditorium while they wait for the film to start, and throughout the screening.
• Supporting crafting and colouring activities in the auditorium before and after selected screenings.
• Act as a buddy or mentor for new volunteers.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Cinema Manager and/or MediCinema Nurses.
Safety & Restrictions
You must follow all Hygiene Standards:
• Hair tied back
• Bare below the elbows
• No jewellery or artificial nails
• Cover cuts with waterproof plaster
• Ensure hands are cleaned before supporting a patient, either by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser where handwashing facilities are not available.
You must NOT:
• Move or lift patients, as this must only be undertaken by trained healthcare professionals
• Push a patient in a wheelchair unless trained
• Push a patient in a bed unless trained
• Access patient records
• Escort patients off hospital premises
• Accompany a patient without authorisation or instruction from MediCinema colleagues
• Handle patient complaints
• Provide clinical care to patients
• Provide personal care (e.g. toileting, feeding, or changing patients)
• Lift, pick up, or hold patients.
Details of any specific skills / attributes required by volunteer:
• Be physically fit and able to push wheelchairs/beds and walk considerable distances.
• Be reliable, dependable, and flexible.
• Have strong listening skills.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality.
• Have a positive outlook and an enthusiastic approach.
• Be willing to volunteer with minimal supervision, while following instructions.
• Complete Trust mandatory training.
• Successful candidates will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Volunteers are expected to work within the placement guidelines agreed by the Voluntary Services Department and MediCinema, and to maintain confidentiality during the placement and after it ends. Volunteers must be considerate and respectful, and communicate effectively with staff, patients, and members of the public. Volunteers must comply with the Trust’s Health & Safety policy and play an active role in reducing the risk of infection.
MediCinema and MFT will provide volunteers with:
• An MFT induction and on-site tour.
• Trust mandatory training.
• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• A volunteer ID badge (for ward access where required).
• A MediCinema T-shirt/uniform.
• Ongoing support and role-specific training from the Cinema Manager.
Role and Responsibility of the MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse supervising the volunteer
The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse is responsible for orientating and guiding the volunteer to ensure they can carry out their role safely, effectively, and in line with Trust expectations, particularly in key areas such as infection control. The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse selects appropriate patients for the volunteer to support. The MediCinema Manager / MediCinema Nurse also ensures the volunteer understands which patients must only be supported by clinical staff due to higher care needs or safety risks.
Responsibilities include:
• Providing a full orientation of MediCinema, ensuring the volunteer is familiar with the environment, safety procedures, escalation processes, and day to day routines. An appropriate local induction checklist will be completed.
• Share all relevant information to enable the volunteer to offer safe and appropriate support, including any cultural or religious considerations and any specific patient needs that may influence their interactions.
• Acting as the volunteer’s main point of contact, offering guidance, reassurance, and confident in their role. This includes addressing any questions, concerns, or issues that may arise.
For more information contact: manchester@medicinema.org.uk
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Customer Service
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Monday Evening, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Wednesday Evening, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Thursday Evening, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon, Friday Evening
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
Location: