About the role
Volunteer role
Patient Companion Volunteer
Where can I volunteer?
Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital (East Acton)
Which days can I volunteer?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
What time can I volunteer?
9am-12pm and 2-5pm
Is there anything else I need to know?
Please be ready to start volunteering around 3 weeks from when you apply. Additionally, we ask that you complete a minimum of one shift every two weeks for six months. For this volunteer role, you must be female and at least 18 years old.
What will I be doing?
This role will help ensure that patients and visitors have a welcoming, supportive and friendly first point of contact; and provide support behind the scenes as a chaperone. By giving your time and showing kindness you will improve the experience of our patients and support these important aspects of patient care.
Some of the main activities of the role include:
- Welcoming patients and visitors to the waiting area with a smile
- Helping patients and visitors to follow any required safety requirements
- Helping patients feel comfortable and at ease while they wait for appointments
- Being a companion to patients as a chaperone during certain appointments
- Liaising with hospital staff to meet patients' needs and helping contribute to a positive experience
- Supporting other non-clinical tasks, as requested by hospital staff

What skills will I need?
We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and passionate about supporting patients and staff at our hospitals. You’ll also find the following skills and qualities are particularly useful in this role:
- A friendly, positive, adaptable and approachable manner
- Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
- Working well within a diverse team
- Ability to follow instructions and be flexible
- Acting on your own initiative within set boundaries
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including English language
- Ability to respond to patient needs in a proactive and caring way
- Physically able to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time and push a trolley to patients' bedsides
What support will I get?
This fun and fulfilling volunteer role will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients during their time in hospital as well as developing your own skills.
At every step we’ll provide lots of support to help you in your volunteer role. You’ll have a member of hospital staff as your main contact as well as extra support from the volunteering team at your hospital. We’ll give you the chance to take part in additional training to further develop your skills and we’ll say thank you for all your fantastic efforts through our volunteering awards and regular newsletter. We’ll also reimburse you for your travel and food and drink costs during your volunteer shift.
How to apply
Before you can start volunteering with us, there are a few important steps.
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.

One more thing to remember. You’ll need to complete a DBS check to volunteer with us. Click the button below to find all the information you need.
Support with your DBS checkWhen you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to get started.
Apply now