Recruitment

• There is a real need for more volunteers however, there seems to be a lack of capacity in some areas. Some would like to expand their number of retired volunteers as they are likely to stay longer than the younger student volunteers.

  • Tap into existing volunteers as some may have admin experience to help with capacity.

  • Increase capacity by involving volunteer team leaders in interviewing and mandatory training.

  • Put a leaflet in with the retirement packs of hospital admin staff.

  • Put posters up in communal areas; people working within the building could possibly know someone.

  • Set up talks about volunteering for people coming up to retirement. For example: nurses, police and school teachers.

  • Contact your local groups. For example: Women's Institute, University of the Third Age (U3A).

  • Anne Robson Trust has successfully recruited a large team of Butterfly (end of life) volunteers and may have some useful guidance on recruitment.

Quote: “All of our volunteers have hidden talents”.

NHS Cadets

• North Tees have a really good cadet group who seem very enthusiastic. A lot of the volunteers are recruited from disadvantaged backgrounds so they are not necessarily top level students so it is a great path for Volunteer to Career. For more information contact: St John Ambulance

Funding

• Over £22 million of National Lottery funds is available to help communities across the country celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. More information can be found here.

Young volunteers

• One of our guests has developed a mentor scheme for young volunteers. Some find volunteering daunting so they are supported by a mentor for 3-4 shifts after which the mentor will sign off an assessment. Friendships have been built and they have 100% retention of volunteers who have been part of this scheme.

• A representative from a community organisation is having a local debate about roles that are available for under 18’s as often there are very few opportunities for the 15-18 age group. It’s an important area as it adds value to CV’s and a route to work.

Mental Health support

• Social prescribers should have a good knowledge of local community groups to help people find non medical solutions. Linking this into Discharge lounges is a good way of finding out if a patient waiting to be discharged needs any extra support. To find out more about your local social prescribers contact your CCG.