Coffee Shop Volunteer - League of Friends

Purpose 

Our League of Friends coffee shop is run by a wonderful team of volunteers who like to give a few hours every week to serving customers with a smile.

Some volunteers do several shifts a week whilst others do just one, but they all play a key role in the friendly service that we aim to give our customers. In turn this encourages more people to visit the coffee shop, to buy refreshments and so to raise more money for Southmead Hospital.

Every day the coffee shop needs volunteers to run effectively. Could you become a League of Friends volunteer?

Commitment level

3-4 hours a shift

Shifts available 10am – 2pm or 1:45 – 5:15, Monday to Friday

Summary of duties

• Serve refreshments and light snacks.
• Operate the till.
• Provide a vital customer service for patients, visitors and NHS staff – greeting and serving customers.
• Be part of a friendly team of dedicated, public-spirited people
• Help raise funds for essential hospital equipment and services.

Skills, experience, attitudes, and qualities needed

Essential

• Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude 
• A friendly and open manner
• To feel comfortable in an acute hospital environment
• To adhere to the Trust values of treating others with respect at all times
• Understand the importance to stay within the boundaries of the role description.
• Positive attitude to working in a clinical environment.
• Reliable and trustworthy

Desirable

Experience working with people with cognitive impairments 

Training and information provided

• League of Friends Volunteer mandatory training programme (please find further information on our FAQs page)
• Department orientation and induction
• Specialist training if required, such as Dementia Level 2
• Shadowing induction sessions with an existing volunteer or staff member demonstrating the role.
• Ongoing supervision and support 
• Ongoing updates and information

Challenges of the position

•    Coming into hospital can be an anxious time for patients and their relatives. Sometimes this may make people less tolerant than they might usually be and they may come across as impolite. It is important that the volunteer remains calm and listens politely and seeks staff support immediately if required.
•    Potentially supporting patients with cognitive impairments or dementia (around 25% of inpatients at NBT have dementia), additional training and support will be provided. 

Boundaries of the position

Volunteering within the NHS has clear boundaries to ensure that we are keeping our patients and volunteers safe. Please download the detailed role description below for further details. 

Reimbursement of expenses

•    Travel expenses to and from the hospital can be reimbursed
•    Meal vouchers for use in the staff Vu restaurant are offered if volunteering for over 4 consecutive hours in one day

Benefits of volunteering

• Gain practical volunteer experience and learn about the healthcare environment. 
• Enjoy ‘putting something back’ into the NHS
• Provide a smile and comfort to patients and their visitors in trying times
• Give support and friendly service to our NHS staff customers
• Keep mentally and physically active, if retired
• Develop skills and experience that may be transferable to paid employment, such as working as a part of a team!
• Opportunity to help/support patients during a difficult time.
• References can be provided on completion of three months volunteering, if required 
• Ongoing support and supervision sessions
• Making friends with other volunteers and meeting new people
• Awards in recognition of volunteering contribution
• Light refreshments when on duty
• Free parking

Recruitment information

You will be asked to provide two independent references from people who have known you for more than three years (this cannot be a family member).

You will also need to have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this role, which will be paid for by the Trust.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this volunteer opportunity, please click the link below to be taken to the application portal, where you will be able to apply online: 

Current Vacancies | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)

If you would like an alternative method to apply, such as a paper application form, please get in touch with us directly on: 

Telephone Number: 0117 414 0110

Email: Volunteer.services@nbt.nhs.uk

Postal Address: Volunteer Services, North Bristol NHS Trust, Brunel building, Level 1, Gate 18, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB