{"id":1487,"date":"2025-07-23T10:04:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/?page_id=1487"},"modified":"2025-07-23T10:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:04:16","slug":"bridge-builders-volunteering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/volunteering\/volunteering-opportunities\/bridge-builders-volunteering\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridge Builders Volunteering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Supporting people, reducing barriers, improving outcomes.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-13dc6dbb\">\n<style>.kb-image2061_c96108-bd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image2061_c96108-bd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:353px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image2061_c96108-bd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image2061_c96108-bd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image2061_c96108-bd figure{max-width:353px;}.kb-image2061_c96108-bd .image-is-svg, .kb-image2061_c96108-bd .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image2061_c96108-bd .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image2061_c96108-bd\"><figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026-300x300.png\" alt=\"Bridge Builders Programme 2026\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/08\/Bridge-Builders-Programme-2026.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d8ec4861\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7d14e0e8\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Bridge Builders? <\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bridge Builders are volunteers who accompany people who may need extra support to attend and engage in their healthcare appointments across NHS Lothian. They provide practical and emotional support, helping people to feel more confident throughout their healthcare journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This programme is inspired by a successful model in Denmark where volunteer support has been shown to reduce barriers to accessing care and improve the patient experience. &nbsp;Please see the references section below for further information about the Danish model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Bridge Builder do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/Bridge-Builders-Volunteer-Role-Description-2026-V1.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"1505\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">volunteer role description<\/a> for full details of the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bridge Builder volunteers provide support on-site on the day of the appointment, from arrival at the hospital until the person is ready to go home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a volunteer you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meet a person on-site and accompany them to and from their appointment, helping them to find their way around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sit in the appointment, providing a reassuring presence and acting as an &#8220;extra pair of ears&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spend time after the appointment to ensure understanding of next steps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bridge Builders <strong>do not<\/strong> provide medical advice or make decisions on behalf of people. Their role is to help people feel supported and empowered.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7d344bc0\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who can volunteer? <\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We work in partnership with universities and colleges to recruit students pursuing a career in healthcare. This role offers a unique opportunity, helping students to become more knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are looking for students who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are 18 years and over<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently studying for a qualification in healthcare (e.g. medicine, nursing, allied health professions, psychology, public health)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are passionate about making a difference<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have good communication and listening skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are reliable, compassionate and respectful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why join Bridge Builders? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Volunteering with Bridge Builders offers a unique opportunity to develop your personal skills that will support your future career while making a meaningful difference to people\u2019s lives.<br><br>As a Bridge Builder you will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Become part of an innovative programme helping to shape the future of healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain first-hand insight into the challenges people face when accessing healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand health inequalities and the factors that can influence health outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop strong communication, empathy and person-centred skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive comprehensive training, supervision and support from NHS Lothian Staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-62a2406d\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Bridge Builder Volunteer Experience\" class=\"wp-image-2040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-1520x855.png 1520w, https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-2040\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/09\/Bridge-Builder-Volunteer-Experience-300x169.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recruitment for this role will open from <strong>Monday 14<sup>th<\/sup> September 2026<\/strong>. Applications may close early if we receive a high number. Before applying, please ensure you can attend <strong>one<\/strong> group interview and the training dates below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Group Interview Dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday 7th October, 3pm &#8211; 5pm, Waverley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday 9th October, 10am &#8211; 12pm, Waverley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Part 1 &#8211; Online Training<\/strong> (attend one date below): <strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tuesday 27th October, 5pm &#8211; 7pm <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thursday 29th October, 5pm &#8211; 7pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Part 2 &#8211; F2F Training <\/strong>(attend one date below): <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday 4th November, 3pm &#8211; 5pm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday 6th November,10am &#8211; 12pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To apply for the role, please: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Read through the Bridge Builder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/Bridge-Builders-Volunteer-Role-Description-2026-V1.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"1505\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">volunteer role description<\/a> to ensure you can fulfil the criteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please ensure you can attend the above interview and training dates. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/volunteering\/online-application-form\/\">online application form<\/a>. Guidance for completing this can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/08\/Volunteer-Application-Form-Guidance-Jan-2026.pdf\">here.<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you have submitted your online application form, we will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please ensure check your junk\/spam folder. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have any questions or would like to be added to our mailing list for future opportunities, please contact: <a href=\"mailto:loth.bridgebuilders@nhs.scot\">loth.bridgebuilders@nhs.scot<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/Bridging-gaps-in-health-A-qualitative-study.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"1503\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tonnesen &amp; Momsen (2023). Bridging gaps in health? A qualitative study about bridge-building and social inequity in Danish healthcare. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 18(1), 2241235.&nbsp;https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/17482631.2023.2241235<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/Bridging-Inequity-Gaps-in-Healthcare-Systems-While-Educating-Furture-Health-Professionals.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"1502\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Valentin et al. (2023). Bridging inequity gaps in healthcare systems while educating future healthcare professionals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6837).&nbsp;https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ijerph20196837<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/Bridging-inequity-gaps-in-healthcare-through-tailored-support.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"1504\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Valentin et al. (2025). Bridging inequity gaps in healthcare through tailored support. BMC Health Services Research, 25:208.&nbsp;https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12913-025-12359-8<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Supporting people, reducing barriers, improving outcomes.&nbsp; What are Bridge Builders? Bridge Builders are volunteers who accompany people who may need extra support to attend and engage in their healthcare appointments across NHS Lothian. They provide practical and emotional support, helping people to feel more confident throughout their healthcare journey. This programme is inspired by a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":0,"parent":596,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":1,"_oasis_original":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-1487","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"sheonadorrian","author_link":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/blog\/author\/sheonadorrian\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"Supporting people, reducing barriers, improving outcomes.&nbsp; What are Bridge Builders? Bridge Builders are volunteers who accompany people who may need extra support to attend and engage in their healthcare appointments across NHS Lothian. They provide practical and emotional support, helping people to feel more confident throughout their healthcare journey. This programme is inspired by a","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1487","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1487"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1487\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2061,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1487\/revisions\/2061"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}