Ferryfield House is looking for confident and enthusiastic volunteers to support older patients. This will involve trying to engage patients in games and social activities on the ward, although sometimes all that is needed is a friendly chat. It would be beneficial to have volunteers who can bring their own passions and hobbies to the ward (like music, photography, or make-up, for example) and integrate these into patient interactions.

You will carry out meaningful activities one-to-one with patients such as painting, playing board games, listening to music, looking through old photographs to reminisce, doing quizzes and crossword puzzles or completing a storybook of the patient’s life. You will also help facilitate group activities with patients during special events like afternoon teas or parties. Where trained, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks and assist with feeding at mealtimes.

You will visit Astley Ainslie Hospital to chat to patients and provide social stimulation. This really helps to relieve some of the boredom and frustration patients sometimes feel whilst in hospital. You will also have an opportunity to serve patients teas and coffees, serve meals (evening shift only), and complete other ad-hoc tasks as directed by the ward staff. With additional training, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks during spells of nice weather.

Liberton Hospital is looking for confident and enthusiastic volunteers to support older patients. This will involve trying to engage patients in games and social activities on the ward, although sometimes all that is needed is a friendly chat. It would be beneficial to have volunteers who can bring their own passions and hobbies to the ward (like music, photography, or make-up, for example) and integrate these into patient interactions.