Publish date: 28 April 2026
Mid Cheshire Hospitals has launched a drive to double the number of volunteers who support patients on its wards.
The Trust currently has around 55 ward volunteers and is aiming to boost this to more than 100, allowing support to be extended to more areas, as well as across different days and times.
A ward volunteer's role includes:
- offering hot drinks and refilling water jugs;
- assisting with comfort; and
- providing conversation, a listening ear, and friendly social interaction - which can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and isolation.
The role may also include helping at mealtimes - within set boundaries, assisting with non-clinical tasks such as handing out meals, opening packets and cutting up food.
Some ward volunteers also extend their role to include activities such as reading to patients, as well as helping with crosswords, puzzles, word searches, colouring, or simple games.
This support can provide mental stimulation, lift a patient’s mood, and help them to pass the time.
Jacqui Evans, who has been a ward volunteer for more than two years, said: “Volunteering on the wards is all about spending time with people, offering practical help and making them feel at ease during their stay in hospital. It’s such a rewarding thing to do and you meet all sorts of wonderful people.
“I’d encourage anyone who’s thinking about becoming a ward volunteer to take that first step and get in touch – you really won’t regret it. You’ll be helping your local community, and you’ll get so much out of it yourself as well.”
The Trust says people choose to volunteer for many reasons including:
- giving something back to their community;
- meeting new people;
- gaining confidence;
- developing skills and experience; and
- enhancing their CV.
Jo Newbrook, Voluntary Services Manager at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our ward volunteers give their own time to offer friendly support, and their presence makes a real difference to our patients and staff.
“Volunteering at Mid Cheshire Hospitals is hugely rewarding, and our volunteers are a fantastic team, many of whom have been with us for several years. We’re looking for new recruits to join them, adding to the already fantastic work this team does for local people."
Volunteering at Mid Cheshire Hospitals is open to people aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit.
The Trust says applicants should be friendly, caring, approachable and reliable.
No formal qualifications are needed, but applicants must be able to commit two to three hours a week for at least six months.
All volunteers receive an induction, including e‑learning and supported first shifts, as well as ongoing support once they begin their role.
Alfredo Thompson, Chief People Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “We see so many success stories through our volunteer programme, with some people even progressing to employment at the Trust, which is a testament to the impact they’ve made.
“Volunteers are such an important part of our hospital community and help to support our Trust’s welcoming, compassionate environment. We’re incredibly grateful to those volunteers who already give their time, and we’re really looking forward to highlighting their contributions during our annual Volunteers Week celebrations this June.”
Anyone who is interested in becoming a ward volunteer as part of the current recruitment campaign can find out more at mcht.nhs.uk/volunteer
To apply, email volunteer
As part of the recruitment campaign, you can see videos featuring volunteers on the Trust's Instagram and Facebook.
