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.
Standard Pathway
For individuals aged 16 and above with a general interest in Volunteering
Ready for your next challenge?
Volunteering with HDFT is a great opportunity to try something new, develop your skills and make a difference.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the roles listed below.
Before applying, please:
- Review the Role Descriptor
- Check the available sessions
- Complete the correct application form for the role you would like to be considered for
If you have any questions before completing your application, please call us on 01423 557408
Please note that we are only recruiting for these roles at present.
| Role | Role Descriptor | Application Form | Sessions Available |
| Discharge Drivers
18 + only |
View role descriptor | Volunteer Application Form – Discharge Drivers | Mondays 8.00am-17.00pm
Thursdays 8.00am-17.00pm Full or half days |
| Meet and Greet Volunteer – Cumberland Only | View role descriptor | Volunteer Application Form – Meet and Greet | Mondays 8.30am-17.00pm
Tuesday 8.30am-17.00pm Wednesdays 8.30am-17.00pm Thursdays 8.30am-17.00pm Fridays 8.30am-17.00pm |
| Emergency Department Waiting Room 18+ only |
View role descriptor |
Volunteer Application Form – Emergency Department Volunteers |
Monday – Sunday Morning Afternoon Evening |
| Meet and Greet – Ripon Hospital | View role descriptor | Volunteer Application Form – Meet and Greet – Ripon Hospital Only | Mondays am/pm
Tuesdays am/pm Wednesday am only Thursday am/pm Friday am/pm |
| Acute Medical Unit – Ward Visitor Volunteers
18 + only |
View role descriptor | Volunteer Application Form – Acute Medical Unit Ward Visitor | Monday-Sundays
11.45am-13.00pm Or 16.45pm-18.30pm |
| Mobile Trolley Service Volunteer | View role descriptor | Volunteer Application Form – Mobile Trolley Service Volunteers | Wednesday 13.00pm-16.00pm
Fridays 13.00pm-16.00pm |
For Enhanced Support Pathway
This application form is for people aged 16 and over with SEND and/or disabilities who are interested in volunteering, as well as support workers who will be supporting them.
Please note: Support workers who will be accompanying or supporting a volunteer must also complete an Enhanced Support Pathway application.
We want everyone to feel welcomed and supported. Please tell us about any support or adjustments you may need when volunteering.
The information you provide will help us understand what support would be helpful and create a support plan based on your individual needs.
Volunteer Application Form – Enhanced Support Pathway – Fill in form
Career Enhancement Pathway
This pathway is for individuals aged 16 and over who are currently in education and wish to volunteer to develop and enhance transferable skills that will support their future career aspirations and professional development. Volunteers on this pathway are asked to commit to a minimum of 50 hours volunteering. Upon successful completion, you may request a certificate in recognition of your dedication and contribution to the role and reference. You may also have the opportunity to request shadowing experiences within the NHS and Harrogate Integrated Facilities (HIF) in your area of interest, allowing you to gain further insight into potential career pathways.
Next Cohort opens up in March 2027
|
Applications Open |
Volunteer Placement Dates |
|
| Summer | 1 March 2027 – 16 April 2027 | Commencing from August 2027 – Onwards |
| Winter | Dates TBC | |
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