A hospital Trust which has for many years run a weekday volunteering scheme for teenagers says it is such a success it is expanding the initiative to include weekends too.
Volunteering enables teens to give back to the community and learn about the NHS at the same time. It also builds their confidence in approaching new people, as well as developing communication, listening and empathy skills. Teens also benefit from being able to reference the programme in their CV and university applications.
Teens from across Cambridgeshire are invited to apply for the Young Persons Programme (YPP) which trains young volunteers to go on to wards and interact with patients, spending time listening and chatting to patients, running errands, helping with crosswords, puzzles, reading and assisting housekeepers at meal times. This greatly improves patients’ stay in hospital.
The weekday programme is suitable for young people living in or near Cambridge. The weekend programme was developed to give young people living further away an opportunity to gain this same valuable experience.
Maggie Brown, the volunteer services manager, said: “The YPP has been running for many years and is held in high regard with the local schools, colleges and universities as a great opportunity for students. We are really pleased to be able to extend the programme to the weekend for those young people who may not be able to attend the YPP due to weekday commitments.”
Applications for both the week day and weekend YPP programme open on 6 May and the closing date is 26 May. Students must be 16 at the time they apply. The online application is available at: https://www.volunteering.cuh.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities-2/programme-for-young-people-16-19/
Successful applicants will attend an interview in June with induction sessions August and September.
Photo: Volunteers Mary Ricaforte and Mary Aloj
