To complement the work of our chaplains, the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Department is fortunate to have a group of Chaplaincy volunteers who visit our wards.
The volunteers come from a variety of local faith / belief groups and work with the chaplains to help meet the spiritual needs of our patients. Our volunteers are required to:
- Be caring, gentle and sensitive in their approach
- Have some understanding of what it’s like to be a patient
- Be a committed member of a local faith / belief group
- Be a good listener as well as good company
- Be comfortable sharing laughter and tears with our patients
- Be someone who enjoys meeting people from a variety of backgrounds
- Not overstay their welcome!
If this sounds like you, find out more about our volunteering programme.
Becoming a Chaplaincy Volunteer
If you’re interested in doing some work as a Chaplaincy volunteer, please telephone the team and we’ll arrange a time for you to come and see us. Then the process is as follows:
- Informal chat with at least one full time chaplain
- Submitting an application form (online via the Trust website)
- Interview
- References (please note that one of these will need to come from your authorising faith / belief group)
- DBS clearance
- Completing a Chaplaincy and Trust induction
- Successful trial period
Sounds daunting? In two minds? Why not read what current volunteers have to say about the experience?
What our Chaplaincy volunteers have to say:
“As part of the Chaplaincy Team it helps your own faith as you get to think more about God yourself and how you can be there for others. I can’t say how much it means to me and an honour to try to do God’s work.” Margaret
“Leaving a patient smiling and sometimes with a happy tear, is so rewarding. That’s why I volunteer.” Sue
“The best thing I have done – to volunteer for the Chaplaincy Team. It’s a privilege to visit the patients, just a little chat, a prayer or a listening ear is so appreciated. The gift of friendship and support from the team is truly amazing…” Jenny
“It’s such a blessing to be able to spend time at a patient’s bedside and listen to their story or their concerns or say a little prayer.” Sian
“….it’s become a very rewarding part of my life. I hope the patients I visit remember me as much as I do them…. The team, whom are now very dear friends, give you love and support which surround you.” Dominica
“Chaplaincy at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been an honour and a privilege. Each time I arrive, I feel nervous. But as I interact with patients, I feel a strength and depth flow out of me, to help and encourage them – a strength that flows from God. And words that fit each situation. What an honour to serve God in such a setting.” Charles
