It's not just hospitals!

It is often the case that perceptions of volunteering in the NHS focus on roles in acute settings. There is a far greater level of volunteering taking place in community and other settings across health and social care in Scotland.

A wide range of volunteering roles exist across the spectrum of healthcare. The following table provides a very brief overview of the types of roles that exist:

Type of volunteer engagement Acute care Primary care Other areas
Directly managed NHS volunteers
  • Hospital Radio
  • Ward volunteers
  • Bedtime readers
  • Community First Responders
  • Smoking cessation
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Exercise leaders
  • Public Partnership Forum Members
  • Public Partners
  • Volunteer Organisers
  • Stop Smoking Buddies
NHS-commissioned services delivered through volunteering
  • Hospital Visiting Drivers
  • Advocacy
  • Falls Services
  • Counselling
  • Befrienders
Third sector volunteering that contributes to healthcare
  • Fundraising
  • Hospital Friends associations
  • Befriending
  • Reminiscence Groups
  • Sports volunteering
  • Healthy cooking/eating

Volunteering in health and social care, wherever it takes place, can help you give something back, build confidence, gain experience and develop skills.

For more information on the types of roles available see How to apply