Supported Youth Volunteering

Volunteering is a fantastic way to try something new, develop skills and encounter new experiences, and we aim to have opportunities to suit all young people keen to volunteer within a healthcare environment!

Our supported volunteering opportunities provide experiences for young people aged 16-25 who may require a bit more help before independently volunteering.

An interest in healthcare is a great bonus when volunteering with us, but as NHS Lothian are corporate parents, our main goal is to help young people overcome barriers by providing inclusive opportunities suitable for young people in need of extra support, and interested in developing skills and experience.

Supported Mentoring Programme

Applications are now open for our Youth Volunteer Supported Mentoring programme!

We are accepting applications from young people aged 16-25 who experience barriers to volunteering/their next steps, or who may require some extra support as they start their volunteering journey.

Applicants will be matched with a Mentor Volunteer who is experienced in their NHS volunteering role, and trained to support young people to flourish in their roles. We have a pool of Mentor Volunteers who are based in various roles in sites across NHS Lothian. The young person and their mentor will volunteer together weekly for up to 6 months. The general commitment will be two hours a week – with flexible options considered if needed.

We hope this opportunity will help young people to build their confidence and communication skills, try something new and volunteer in what may traditionally feel like an intense environment in a more supported way. Volunteering roles are generally either ward-based or foyer-based.

There are opportunities for independent volunteering if the young person progresses well and feels ready – goals can be set with them at the beginning to ensure they get the best out of the experience.

Admittance onto the programme will be subject to an initial (informal, values-based) interview with myself and a satisfactory PVG check, arranged and paid for by NHS Lothian.

Application forms for the Mentoring programme can be found at the link below, and should be returned to loth.youthvolunteering@nhs.scot