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Role Details

Title

Forget-Me-Not at Bedford Hospital

Organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity

Distance from the search postcode

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Website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity/ This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

Forget-Me-Not Volunteers provide social interaction and engagement for hospital patients, with a focus on patients who are living with dementia. They support staff, carers and families to make hospital stays more warm, friendly and positive.

Hospitals can be challenging environments for patients living with dementia, with unfamiliar surroundings causing heightened unease. Just a 10minute conversation can change someone's day.

In this role you will be visiting patients who may have had few other visitors. It could be as simple as a kind conversation or shared activity like reading, colouring, or a puzzle.

Why should people consider volunteering in this role?
Forget-Me-Not volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a transformative impact. Regular social interaction and reminiscence significantly improves wellbeing. You’ll play a key role, supporting clinical and therapies teams and interacting with families. You’ll meet amazing people with amazing stories and make a big impact in your community.

You'll receive all the training and support you need to make a big impact, and you'll be part of our growing community of hospital volunteers.

Please note a DBS is required for this role.

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Art & Design,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Support Work,General & Helping

Skills & Attributes

Skills Description

Use your skills! Along with being pro active, friendly, empathetic and approachable, our volunteers use their passions and skills to engage with patients. Do you have hobbies, skills or interests that you could share with hospital patients? Get in touch with your ideas.

What is in it for you

Forget-Me-Not volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a transformative impact. Regular social interaction significantly improves the wellbeing of those living with dementia and you’ll be a key support to staff and families. You’ll meet amazing people with amazing stories and make a big impact in your community. You'll join our lovely team of passionate volunteers and reduce feelings of confusion and loneliness. You'll also receive full training in understanding and supporting people living with dementia.

Time Commitment

We hope that volunteers can regularly give 2-3 hours, ideally weekly.

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

Christian Cole

Role Address

This volunteering opportunity is available at both Bedfordshire NHS Trust Hospitals: Bedford Hospital MK42 9DJ Luton and Dunstable Hospital LU4 0DZ

Postcode (See Google maps below)

MK42 9DJ

Directions

Number of volunteers required

How to find out more

Get in touch for more information or a chat about volunteering.

Application Process

Application Form

ID Check

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

References

Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

Support you will receive

Wheelchair Access

Disability and Access Support

We would love to ensure anyone can become a Forget-Me-Not Volunteer. Hospitals are generally accessible places and with the flexibility of the role, we will work hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of others.