{"id":575,"date":"2023-01-29T20:59:15","date_gmt":"2023-01-29T20:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/volunteering\/"},"modified":"2023-02-23T12:36:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-23T12:36:59","slug":"volunteering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nhslothian.scot\/getinvolved\/volunteering\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A volunteer is a person who gives freely and willingly of their time.   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NHS Lothian has a long history of involving volunteers spanning nearly 100 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteers bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and life experiences to NHS Lothian which complement the skills, knowledge and experience of our staff team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since April 2018, over 5000 individuals have volunteered with NHS Lothian with the vast majority making a commitment of at least 2 hours a week for 6 months or more. Our volunteers have been recruited and trained to take on a variety of roles ranging from Ward Helper to Driver, to Meaningful Activity Helper, to Welcome Guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently volunteers are involved in supporting our work and positive health outcomes for patients through approximately 25 different roles including Ward Helper, Welcome Guides, Meaningful Activity Volunteers, Library and Book Service Volunteers and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about roles and locations on the Volunteering Opportunities page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Fit for the Future\u2019, NHS Lothian’s strategic plan for Volunteering 2023 – 2028 recognises the principle that volunteering should be beneficial to all parties and makes a commitment to enhancing benefits for volunteers, as well as beneficiaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three key building blocks will form the robust foundations required to allow for growth, creativity and innovation in volunteering in 2023-2028:<\/p>\n\n\n\n