Ward Activities Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to support with ward activities on our inpatient mental health wards.
We are looking for:
+ volunteers who can play musical instruments to deliver a music group
+ volunteers qualified in yoga, tai chi or other forms of exercise classes to deliver sessions around exercise such as yoga or tai chi
+ Please write in your supporting statement which kind of activities you are skilled in.
Sessions could be in the day time or evenings and weekends, according to volunteers' availability and the ward timetables. Most sessions run on a weekly basis.
We would like volunteers who are looking to volunteer for at least 6 months, due to recruitment processes and ensuring consistency for our patients. You must live within a reasonable travel distance of Dorothy Pattison hospital. Travel costs will be reimbursed.

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, + Please write in your supporting statement which kind of activities you are interested in, and why you'd like to volunteer with us. We would love to know if you have skills such as music, gardening, arts, yoga, cooking, fitness, sports that you could share with our patients.
Our Trust Values:
Caring
We care for everyone as individuals, being compassionate, empathetic and kind with a willingness to help.
Enabling
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.

+ Skill such as musical ability, or qualified to teach yoga/tai chi/exercise classes.
+ Good communication skills.
+ Experience of working with people in care, support or similar roles
+ Confident and able to facilitate group activities
+ Awareness of mental health and desire to help patients
+ Punctual and reliable.
+ Able to follow confidentiality policy and professional boundaries for their own safety and safety of the patients.
+ Enthusiasm and desire to help patients, and encourage positive actions to improve wellbeing.
+ Ability to use some digital technology for training and communications - we can support you with this.
+ Friendly and welcoming - able to speak with patients and build rapport
+ Live within a reasonable travel distance to sites in the Black Country.

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.