Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to help our inpatients at Bushey Fields hospital in Dudley.
Volunteers will help with restocking books, reading to patients, and listening to patients read. This role is vital in promoting literacy, providing comfort, and fostering a supportive environment for patients.
1. Restocking Books: Organise and replenish the library's collection to ensure a wide range of available reading materials for patients.
2. Reading to Patients: Read aloud to patients, providing a comforting presence and an engaging experience.
3. Listening to Patients Read: Offer encouragement and support to patients who wish to read aloud, helping to build their confidence and communication skills.

Working for our organisation
How we can support you:
+ Training and Induction.
+ One to one and group volunteer support meetings.
+ We can provide a reference for future employment.
+ Travel expenses will be paid.
+ Further training opportunities.
+ Support you to learn new skills and gain experience.
+ Create a plan together to meet your volunteering goals

+ Patience and Empathy: Ability to interact compassionately with patients, many of whom may have varying levels of mental health challenges.
+ Good Communication: Clear and effective communication skills, both in reading aloud and in conversations with patients.
+ Organisational Skills: Ability to keep track of the library's inventory and ensure books are properly shelved and cared for
+ Listening Skills: Attentive and supportive listening to patients who read aloud, providing positive feedback and encouragement.
+ Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to the needs of patients and hospital staff and to take on various tasks as needed
+ Reliability: Commitment to a regular volunteer schedule to provide consistent support to the library.
+ Awareness of mental health and desire to help patients
+ Able to follow confidentiality policy and professional boundaries for their own safety and safety of the patients.
+ Ability to use some digital technology for training and communications - we can support you with this.
+ Live within a reasonable travel distance to site.
+ Volunteers must be over 18, We care for everyone as individuals, being compassionate, empathetic and kind with a willingness to help.

Black Country Healthcare is a major provider of NHS mental health services for more than a million people across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton:
Adult and older adult mental health services
+ Specialist learning disabilities services
+ Mental health services for children and young people
+ Community healthcare for children, young people and families in Dudley
We're proud to be rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, and that many of our staff have won awards for their work.

We enable ourselves and others to act with confidence and authority in order to achieve the best outcome for everyone.
Working Together
We work together in partnership, being inclusive by understanding and valuing others to achieve the best results for everyone in everything we do.
Integrity
We act with transparency and honesty; respecting and valuing others to do the right thing at the right time for everyone.
We're committed to building a workforce and culture that reflects our varied population - and to create a culture of belonging. We always engage and involve when making key decisions, regardless of role or level. For example, we have worked closely with staff, patients, community groups and other key partners, in putting together our clinical strategy.
Due to the nature of our work some volunteering roles may be subject to a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, through the Disclosure and Barring Service as stipulated under part V of the Police Act 1997. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from volunteering with us; this will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.