Volunteering

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.

Closure of Volunteer Applications

Please note that from 22 June 2026 until Autumn 2026, we will not be accepting new volunteer applications, as we pause recruitment for a short period.

For Career Enhancement Pathway, applications will be open from:

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. *At present, we have temporarily paused applications for this role due to the high level of interest. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact the Volunteer Team (contact details are at the bottom of the page).*
• 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