How you can help
In addition to a dedicated staff, we also benefit from a team of dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers’ contribution adds another dimension to the care at Nightingale, and our residents benefit enormously.
How much time do volunteers dedicate to working at Nightingale?
Volunteers can give different amounts of time – from a few hours per week, to half a day, a day, and in some cases a several days per week. We can build a worthwhile volunteering assignment around the time commitment that you can give to Nightingale. The one thing we would ask of all volunteers is a regular commitment.
What do volunteers do?
Some volunteers help in a distinct area of the Home, working closely with nursing and care staff. Volunteers supplement the work of staff enabling them to provide an even higher standard of professional care.
Some of the tasks that a volunteer might undertake working in a specific unit are as follows:
- taking residents for a trip out, including those in wheelchairs, or sitting with them in the garden
- reading and writing letters
- topical conversation with individuals or visiting residents
- listening to residents reminisce about their lives
- helping in the dining room
- playing board games, such as chess and Scrabble
- running an activity in the Unit and working with a small group
- giving a manicure
- welcoming new residents to the Unit
Other volunteers may be involved in a distinct project in the Home working closely with staff and other volunteers, for example:
- escorting residents to hospital appointments
- visiting residents who are currently in hospital
- helping at a social activity (a film show or concert in the Home)
- distributing books
- helping in the Synagogue
- arranging flowers
- volunteering in an office … and more
The role description and personal specification for each volunteer is different.
What qualities do I need to become a volunteer?
- Volunteers need to enjoy being with people, many of whom have diverse and varying backgrounds. They need an ability to put residents first and a professional attitude to their work
- Of course, all volunteers need to have patience, tact, understanding and common sense.
Volunteering at Nightingale is an ideal opportunity to make new friends and also to learn or practise new skills. Ideal for those who might like to try something different … ideal for those who want to gain experience in a new field … ideal for those who want to “test-the-water”.
