What volunteering opportunities do you have?

Please take a look at our current volunteering opportunities.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

Please download our volunteer application form. Once you have filled it in, you can return it to our Voluntary Services department by email or post.

What is the minimum age for volunteering?

The majority of our roles are for those aged 16 and over, however some patient-facing roles require you to be over 18. Please contact us to find out more. We do offer Duke of Edinburgh volunteering in our shops for those 15 and above.

Will I need a DBS check?

A DBS check is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions – carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. All roles based at the hospice will require a DBS. Shop volunteers and off-site event volunteers do not require a DBS. If you already have a DBS that is registered on the update service, we may be able to use this, so please let us know.

Will I be trained as a volunteer?

Yes, you will be offered full training in your role, and you will be required to attend our mandatory volunteer training and organisation induction at the hospice.

Can I volunteer if I work full time?

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at ad-hoc events in the evenings and weekends. Please visit the fundraising page for more information.

Can I volunteer with a team from my company?

We offer opportunities for corporate volunteering; please click here to find out more.

Do I have to commit to a weekly role?

Most roles at the hospice and shops are regular weekly volunteering roles, however some may be less often – so please get in touch to find out more. Fundraising volunteering offer more ad-hoc opportunities – take a look to see what you can get involved in.

How long will it take to get started as a volunteer?

Volunteering in the hospice requires a process which involves a DBS check, health questionnaire and references. It usually takes around a month to complete these checks, however this can vary. If you are keen on getting involved in volunteering straight away, why not take a look at opportunities in our shops or at fundraising events.

Can I do my Duke of Edinburgh award with the hospice?

Yes, we offer Duke of Edinburgh volunteering in our shops for age 15 and above.

Do you offer work experience at the hospice?

Unfortunately we don’t currently offer work experience placements.

Can I volunteer if a family member is currently receiving care from St Barnabas House?

It is not deemed appropriate for an individual to volunteer at the hospice if a family member is currently receiving care from St Barnabas House. When the support has come to a natural end the individual may follow the normal volunteer recruitment process.

Can I volunteer even though I have been recently bereaved?

We would recommend waiting a year after a bereavement before volunteering. It also wouldn’t be appropriate for you to volunteer if you are currently receiving St Barnabas’ bereavement support.

Can I volunteer in the hospice as a one off e.g. at Christmas?

Unfortunately we don’t offer one-off volunteering opportunities at the hospice, due to the amount of time that is required to train and induct new volunteers.

Do you have student counselling placements?

Yes we offer counselling placements to qualified counsellors and students in their second year of degree or post-graduate diploma. We hold training once a year – click here to find out more.

Can I access St Barnabas House by public transport?

For directions to the hospice, please click here.