This leaflet is about becoming a volunteer for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP).
CWP is a Foundation Trust that provides health services for local people in partnership with other organisations. Our services include:
- Mental health services
- Learning disabilities
- Substance misuse services
- Physical health services
What is volunteering?
Volunteers give their time freely for the benefit of other people without being paid. Volunteering brings people together to complement services provided by organisations.
They are a reflection of our local communities and a few hours a week can make a real difference.
Why do people volunteer?
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people; use skills you have or learn new skills, gain experience for your CV, gain confidence and a whole host of other reasons
Who can volunteer?
We welcome people who can bring their empathy, humour and goodwill. We welcome volunteers from different backgrounds, abilities, cultures, genders, ages and outlooks
How much time do I need to commit?
We ask for a minimum of six months commitment. It could be weekly, for as little as a few hours each week. Whatever suits you!
What does a volunteer do?
There are 2 types of volunteers in CWP; Volunteers and Lived Experience Volunteers:
Volunteers generally have regular roles within their local CWP services such as baking, creative art, gardening, ward activity, meet and greet and many more.
Lived Experience Volunteers are people who access or have accessed our services within the last 3 years. They can get involved with trustwide activities such as helping us to choose new staff (interviews), participating in project groups, looking at leaflets and developing information, Helping carry out audits and inspections.
Volunteers can have multiple roles and be actively involved with services and Trust wide activities if they wish.
Will you do checks on my background?
It is important that we safeguard people who access our services and staff, so we carry out statutory checks such as 2 references, a satisfactory check with the Disclosure and Barring (DBS) and proof of identity. We will also ask you to complete a free health assessment. Please see next page for more details
Identification
When we carry out a DBS check, we will need proof of identification, for example: Passport and Driving Licence (In date) and one document which is not more than 3 months old which has your name and current address on it.
Or
Passport or Driving Licence + 1 document showing NI number and Full Birth Certificate and 2 documents which is not more than 3 months old which has your name and current address on it.
Please don’t worry about this process or having the correct identification documents as we will help and support you through the process. This should not be a reason to stop you from volunteering.
The benefits of Volunteering for CWP
- Out of pocket expenses, such as travel expenses reimbursed
- Personal Development Plans
- Support and supervision
- Access to internal posts
- Access to any internal non clinical training
- Access to staff support
- When you join us we will ask you to attend a volunteer induction course and safeguarding training.
Why do I need a health assessment?
We will ask you to complete a free health assessment to ensure that you are able to carry out the tasks involved safely and to make sure that you, people who access our services and staff are kept as safe as possible. Health problems will not necessarily exclude you from undertaking voluntary work.
How to become a volunteer for CWP
You can contact a member of the team on the contact details below to find out about available opportunities in the Trust:
- Visit: www.cwp.nhs.uk
- Email: cwp.
volunteering @nhs.net - Call: 01244 3937389
- Post: Patient and Carer Experience Team Trust Headquarters, Redesmere, Countess of Chester Health Park Liverpool Road Chester CH2 1BQ
If you would like this information in another format, please speak to a member of CWP staff or e-mail cwp.info@nhs.net.
June 2020 Version 1.
www.cwp.nhs.uk.