Bristol Community Health is committed to working with volunteers to improve people’s experience of care, build stronger relationships with communities and reduce health inequalities. We work with partners in the voluntary sector to develop meaningful volunteering roles, and support volunteers to make progress towards their goals.

Current Roles

• Patient Feedback Volunteer. We are looking for a reliable and caring volunteer to help gather detailed, personal one-to-one stories from patients about their experience of Bristol Community Health healthcare. Click here to view the role profile.
• Exercise Buddy Volunteer We are looking for a reliable and friendly Exercise Buddy Volunteer who is aware of the value of exercise to join our team. The volunteers will support patients to complete pulmonary rehabilitation classes to improve their health.
• Personal Care Plan Buddy Volunteer We are looking for Personal Care Plan Buddies who will support patients in the process of expressing and recording their hopes and goals.
• Macmillan Telephone Support Volunteer - Cancer can have a large impact after treatment has finished and someone has been given the all clear. Macmillan and Bristol Community Health are dedicated to supporting those living with and beyond cancer to help them manage any symptoms or issues that have developed as a result of cancer and cancer treatment. No one should have to face cancer alone and we are looking for a Macmillan Telephone Support Volunteer to provide further emotional support to those patients who need it. Telephone Support Volunteers will be asked to telephone patients to talk to them and check their general progress since a therapist visit.

Who can volunteer?

Volunteering is for everyone. Whether you are retired, in work or studying, you are welcome to apply for any of our roles. If you have practical experience of living with a health condition, it can also be a way of passing on that experience to other patients.

“It’s really gratifying to be providing that extra bit of support.”

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Depending on the role you take on, volunteering could offer you the following benefits:

• Stay busy and active
• Make a positive difference to the lives of others
• Develop new skills or enhance existing ones
• Be a voice for change

What our volunteers have said

“One of the most rewarding things though is being thanked for my company; the role is not just about healthcare goals, but also about having conversation with someone who may not interact with many other people during the day,” Gemma, My Personal Care Plan Buddy. Read about her volunteering journey here.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at the Urgent Care Centre. They are super friendly, have been very welcoming and helpful, it’s been very enjoyable helping in any way I can to make their life a bit easier. It’s really gratifying to be providing that extra bit of support.” Vondy

“Volunteering in Bristol Community Health has been a stepping stone to success for me.”

“Volunteering in Bristol Community Health has been a stepping stone to success for me. I’m building on existing knowledge and learning to apply it.” Ceejay

“I find the role really rewarding, particularly when I receive positive feedback. When I meet people who are suffering from lung conditions I feel like I understand their frustrations and can offer some first-hand advice. People have often told me that it’s really helpful to talk to someone who understands their illness and who they can relate to.” Angela, Volunteer Exercise Buddy. Read more of Angela’s story here

What’s stopping you?

Bristol Community Health provides full training and support for all of its roles. We pay travel expenses for volunteers – and other expenses when appropriate. We aim to be an equal opportunities organisation and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

All of our current live volunteer roles are listed below. By clicking on a role you are interested in you will be redirected to the job advert on NHS Jobs where you can apply. Alternatively you can download an application form here and email it directly to [email protected].

Contact Details

For more information please contact Greg Juckes on [email protected]