Volunteering is a chance to challenge yourself, meet new people, and change lives. At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, the time you spend volunteering really does make a genuine difference to patients when it matters most.
Our volunteer team is a vibrant community of over 400 people aged 16 to 90+, proof that anyone, at any stage of life, can have a real impact. Volunteering can help you grow, build confidence, gain experience, and beat isolation by connecting you with others.
Our volunteers support patients at Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital, as well as communities across the vast area we serve, including; County Durham, Cumberland, Darlington, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Wakefield, Westmorland and Furness. Volunteers also support in Harrogate Integrated Facilities (HIF) which is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) and supplies services to the hospital and community services with respect to Maintenance, Sterile Services, Portering, Catering, Equipment Library, Linen and Sewing Room, Security, Car Parking, General Office, Front Desk, Reception, Waste Management, Courier Services, Security Services and Domestics. Wherever you live, you can make a difference.
How to become a volunteer
We know every volunteer joins us with different motivations, strengths, and ambitions. That’s why we offer three pathways designed to support and celebrate our volunteers at every stage:
- Standard Pathway – Open to anyone aged 16+, perfect for those who simply want to give their time and make a difference.
- Career Enhancement Pathway – Designed for applicants aged 16+ looking to build confidence, develop new skills, and grow professionally. After completing 50 hours of volunteering, participants receive a certificate and gain access to further shadowing opportunities across the NHS and Harrogate Integrated Facilities (HIF) in their chosen area.
- Enhanced Support Pathway – A bespoke, tailored experience for volunteers with special educational needs and/or physical disabilities, ensuring everyone can contribute in a way that suits them best.
How to Apply
Becoming a volunteer is easy and rewarding. Simply complete your application form, provide two references, and we will carry out a DBS check (which is free for volunteers). Once you’ve joined our induction and completed your eLearning and training, you’ll be ready to start a role that truly makes a difference to patients, staff, and your community. For more information and details on this process please contact the Volunteer Team (contact details can be found at the bottom of the page).
HHCC and Volunteer Team Standard Pathway Volunteer Application Form
HHCC and Volunteer Team – Career Enhancement Volunteer Application Form
HHCC and Volunteer Team – Enhanced Support Volunteer Application Form
End of Life Volunteer Application Form
Breast Feeding Support Volunteer Application Form
Boost Your Career and Academic Skills Through Volunteering
Our Career Enhancement Pathway is perfect for anyone aged 16+ looking to gain experience, build skills, and explore future NHS opportunities. With over 350 roles across the NHS; from finance, catering, and communications, to nursing, allied health (physiotherapy, radiography, podiatry etc), and medicine – there’s something for everyone!
Volunteering helps you
- Develop communication and teamwork skills in a healthcare setting
- Understand how wards and departments are organised
- Build confidence in patient and colleague interactions
- Reflect on your experience to support your learning and career growth
Make a real difference while gaining valuable skills and insight that will strengthen your CV and open doors to a range of NHS careers.
Please note if you are joining us on our Career Enhancement Volunteer Pathway, applications on this pathway are open during our Autumn, Spring and Summer Cohorts. For further details and dates please contact the Volunteer Team (contact details can be found at the bottom of the page).
Explore Our Volunteer Roles
We currently offer over 50 different volunteer roles, each providing you with the opportunity to make a real difference. Below are some of the roles we are currently recruiting for:
- Patient Safety Partner Volunteer – Support projects to improve healthcare safety, ensuring the perspective of patients and service users is prioritised.
- Discharge Volunteer Driver – Transport patients from Harrogate District Hospital to their homes across the district (Trust car provided). This role is available for individuals aged over 18.
- End of Life Support Volunteer – Provide emotional and practical support to people at the end of life and those closest to them. This role is available for individuals aged over 18.
- Ward Visitor – Spend time with patients, offering conversation, games, reading, and help with communication with family and friends.
- Meal Time Volunteer – Assist patients in preparing for and enjoying their meals.
- Breastfeeding Support Volunteer (Community Based) – Provide social, emotional, and practical infant feeding support at our “Feeding Friends” groups or community events.
- Meet and Greet Volunteer – Welcome patients and visitors at Harrogate District Hospital, offering friendly guidance and wayfinding assistance.
- Maternity Ward Volunteer – Support new families with a warm welcome and practical assistance on the ward. This role is available for individuals aged over 17.
- Volunteer Musician – Use your musical skills to engage patients and promote wellbeing through live music on the wards.
- Meal Trolley Delivery Volunteer – Help the Facilities team deliver and collect food trolleys from wards at lunch and evening mealtimes.
If you’d like to learn more about any of these roles or explore other ways to get involved, please contact the Volunteer Team (contact details are at the bottom of the page).
Supported Internship Programme
Our supported internship programme, is a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This programme is based at Harrogate District Hospital and is run in partnership with Harrogate College. We have just commenced our fourth year, hosting 5 interns in 25/26 and looking forward to build on this in future years.
Our interns have worked in a variety of departments including; Children’s’ Ward, Special Care Baby Unit, Business Development, Finance, Main Reception, Planned and Surgical Care Admin, Learning and Development, Grounds, Waste Management, the Post Room and much more.
If you or someone you know may be interested in being part of our Supported Internship Programme please contact:
Harrogate College, Employability Tutor – [email protected]
HDFT, Business Liaison – [email protected]
Volunteer Team Contact Details
Email – [email protected]
Call – 01423 557408
Post
Volunteer Team
3rd Floor
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Lancaster Park Road
Harrogate
HG2 7SX