Summary: Focused discussion on staff wellbeing held 10 May 2022

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Created by Debbie Ambrose
Last updated 2 years ago
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18 May 2022 at 9:12am
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Many volunteering roles are beneficial in contributing to staff wellbeing even if they are not directly connected. However, this may not always be recognised so the impact on staff wellbeing requires capturing in some way. There are various options including staff surveys where volunteers are used to gather the feedback.

Some of the challenges being faced

  • Changing the mindset of volunteers who are only interested in helping patients.

  • Staff who are already under so much pressure are not always keen to supervise volunteers.
    • Get out and talk to staff and find out what their needs are; taking a few minutes to explain how a volunteer could ultimately save them time.

  • Social distancing is still an issue for some of you.


What some of you are already doing

  • A group of flexible volunteers are going into emergency departments to help out patients and staff wherever they can and can include tasks such as making cups of tea.

  • Volunteers in a health and wellbeing group putting together hampers for staff.

  • Robin volunteers supporting staff with light duties. The main purpose of the role is to be there for the patients but they are also encouraged to support staff.

  • Develop volunteer roles that allow the volunteer to be self sustainable so that they are not reliant on the staff. One example of this started as a volunteer responder role; a check and chat role communicating with patients and finding out if all their needs are being catered for. This alleviates the pressure from the staff and saves them time.

  • ‘Teapot volunteers’ provide refreshments for ambulance crews who find themselves in a queue to get their patient into the hospital. The downsides of this role are that if the weather is nice it’s great but during the winter months it’s not so appealing and there is a strong likelihood that they will see some trauma..

  • Response volunteers are asked to do various ad hoc tasks. For example helping with a patient survey and assistance at mealtimes.

  • One of our guests had a young cadet volunteer who requested a placement in A&E. Initially they were unsure about doing this however, the ward manager is delighted with the volunteer and the difference the young person has made.

  • In a small staff break out area volunteers are making drinks and clearing up after the staff, maximising their break time. Some staff are keen to make their own drinks however, time is still saved by the volunteer keeping the area clean and sanitised.

  • Project Wingman: one guest tried to continue this with volunteers but it was very difficult to maintain; it just wasn’t the same without the airline staff who had added a bit of glamour to the project.

Useful links

Volunteer Role Library

Webinar: NHS Cadets

Browse Helpforce Insight and Impact projects


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18 May 2022 at 1:04pm
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Hi all,

This article in the NHS Employers bulletin shows how Yorkshire Ambulance Service has developed 3 schemes to improve engagement and communication with staff, resulting in people feeling more empowered and having a sense of belonging within the organisation:

  • Cultural ambassadors

  • Simply Do ideas app

  • Staff equality network

Some of the ideas and activities could easily be developed into roles for volunteers.

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