Volunteers from all religions are being sought to help bring a listening ear and a kind word into the lives of hospital patients across the city of Bradford.
The Chaplaincy Service at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking to increase its volunteer numbers to cater for people’s spiritual needs while they are in hospital. The multi-faith service caters for people of different faiths and those of none. It currently has 73 volunteers but wants to expand its reach even further.
A recruitment drive has been launched for anyone aged 17 or over who could offer at least two or three hours a week to be part of a team of hospital visitors.
Joe Fielder, Christian Chaplain at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, says that training for all volunteers is provided. “We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring team of volunteer visitors to help supplement our work in providing pastoral healthcare. All volunteers must undergo a training course, led by the hospital chaplains, before they can work on the Trust’s wards.
“This will equip you with skills and knowledge to support to people in a variety of different situations that might occur during their hospital stay e.g. listening skills; understanding religion and spirituality from different faiths, and an introduction to providing bereavement support.”
Anyone interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer, should contact Dawn Arnison on 01274-365819 or email dawn.arnison@bthft.nhs.uk.