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Voluntary Organisations within Addenbrooke's

...all working under the Voluntary Services Department

Each year, hundreds of volunteers give up their free time on a regular basis to help patients throughout Addenbrooke's. You can join us by applying to support one of the voluntary organisations that are here or directly under the Voluntary Services Department.

Our Patients benefit from the involvement of a variety of voluntary organisations. Volunteers that come under these organisations have to follow the guidelines and regulations of that organisation, however all work closely with the Voluntary Services Department and share the same level of commitment as other volunteers. They are also subject to the same recruitment checks.

Some of the organisations, such as The Red Cross and The WRVS, have a long association with the hospital. Others, such as The Citizens Advice Bureau are relatively new acquaintances, however their contribution is just as welcome and no less valued.

We provide information on all these organisations at the Information Session. For legal and insurance reasons it is important that all volunteers are entered in the Register of Volunteers, which is kept by the Voluntary Services Department. Our department ensures that volunteers are suitably trained and can work safely throughout the Trust.

Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust

Throughout the year Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust frequently needs volunteers to help with fundraising events, or to help out in the office at busy periods.

Chaplaincy:

Chaplaincy lay visitors are trained volunteers who are Christians and are involved in ministering to patients and staff. Their work complements rather than replaces the work of the chaplains. Their main purpose is to help with the spiritual and social support of patients.

Citizens Advice Bureau:

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their problems by providing free information and advice, based in our PALS Information centre.

Friends groups:

These volunteers run tea bars and refreshment trolleys and help raise funds both in and outside the hospital to buy aids and comforts for our patients.

Radio Addenbrooke's:

Volunteers start by collecting radio requests from patients on the wards and can, after suitable training, help with the radio shows

Red Cross Therapeutic Beauty Care:

Volunteers are trained to provide manicures and hand massages to patients on the wards, as well as a specialised camouflage service in Outpatients

Wallace Cancer Care

Volunteers provide information, listening, empathetic support and guidance to cancer patients and their relatives.  Volunteers also run a cocktail round on D9 before lunch.

Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS):

These volunteers run the Outpatient Canteen and Clinical Oncology Canteen (Monday–Friday). They also provide a trolley service on the wards two or three afternoons each week.