Volunteers needed for new Sheppey Frailty Unit

Would you like to help us care for frail patients while they are in hospital? We are looking to introduce a team of volunteers to support our new Sheppey Frailty Unit and will be holding a recruitment fair at Sheppey Community Hospital on Monday 22 May.

The volunteers would help our patients during their stay in hospital, by offering them companionship and conversation and taking part in other light activities to help them feel at ease and stimulated, such as playing card or board games.

This opportunity would suit anyone with a few hours to spare each week who would like to volunteer for a good local cause or maybe develop skills for a career in adult or social care.

Zoe Goodman, Voluntary Services Manager, said: “Volunteering is a great way to give something back to your community and to learn skills to forward your career, if that’s what you’re looking for. You only need to commit to a few hours a week and you will be offered support and training. Come and find out more about what this opportunity could offer you and if appropriate, you may be able to have an on-the-day conversation and sign up straight away.”

The Trust is working closely with Healthwatch Kent and Healthwatch Medway  to introduce this volunteer scheme at Sheppey Frailty Unit. Representatives of the group put the idea forward when the Trust carried out engagement with community stakeholders ahead of Sheppey Frailty Unit opening earlier this year.

Member Lyn Gallimore said: “Volunteers who can simply chat with patients, maybe have a cup of tea with them or take them out to the garden, and just be a friendly face while they are away from home and perhaps feeling a little scared or lonely, could be really beneficial and would help the nursing staff, too. We fully support this and will work closely with the Trust to see this scheme implemented.”

If you would like to express an interest in becoming a volunteer at Sheppey Frailty Unit, but cannot make the event on the 22nd, please contact Zoe Goodman on 01634 825246.