Volunteering with the NHS
People decide to volunteer for many different reasons.
If you decide to volunteer, there are a huge variety of roles open to you - from assisting with administration to chatting to patients who may not have any family or friends to visit.
Scotland Cares volunteer scheme
Whether it's practical or emotional support, there are lots of ways you can volunteer to help the NHS and your community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Find out how to register to become a volunteer through Ready Scotland
Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering benefits both the volunteers and the people they help.
People that volunteer:
- have an increased sense of well-being
- feel that they are contributing to someone else’s well-being
- participate in a wider social life
- increase their knowledge of health
- learn new skills
- get relevant training
- learn from and are supported by NHS staff
- gain experience in an NHS environment
Training for volunteers
Within the NHS in Scotland, volunteers receive all the training, help and support they need for their role.
How to become a volunteer
You can find out about volunteering opportunities in NHS Scotland by:
- contacting your local NHS board
- searching Volunteer Scotland
- speaking to someone at your local volunteer centre
To apply you'll need to complete an application form and provide two referees.