25 Nursing volunteer roles

Summary

Could you combine nursing skills, compassion and faith to offer care in body, mind and spirit?
Could you support people experiencing homelessness?

Detailed description

You could be part of our exciting pilot project as a volunteer Parish Nurse offering life-transforming whole-person healthcare, working alongside Chaplains, Complex Needs and Housing Support Workers.

 As a YMCA Parish Nurse you would:

• Help service users identify issues and self-manage their wellbeing so they flourish in body, mind and spirit. This might be 1:2:1 or in a group setting.
• Signpost, support, and provide information and reassurance enabling service users to access NHS and other professional or community support as well as internal support from YMCA colleagues and projects.
• Offer spiritual care from a Christian perspective, such as prayer or acts of worship
• Be instrumental in supporting the project develop in this pilot phase

Training for this role is provided by PNMUK as part of their on-going programme of support and personal development for Parish Nursing nationally. The next course is 15-17th November with follow-up online sessions.

This project is being developed and lead by One YMCA’s Chaplaincy Team, together with our Medium Complex Intensive Support Service (MCISS) and supported by Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK).

The Chaplaincy Team offer life-transforming spiritual care and pastoral support. For us Chaplaincy is about journeying with people, inspired by the life, example and teaching of Jesus. Our vision for Chaplaincy is to see even more of our service users and staff thriving through experiencing the love of God for themselves. Following a re-shaping of our work, Chaplaincy is now part of the newly formed Christian Mission team, which is at the heart of this growing charity. 

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive, and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute, and thrive.

What volunteers need😇 Disclosure and Barring Service

What we will provide to volunteers

💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra support

What you will contribute

Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

For This Role, You Will Need

Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program

Current Registered Nurse license in home country, and nursing experience of at least 2 years

Experience in working with different cultures and in low-resource environments required

Experience in Palliative Care or in a similar field of nursing preferred

To be a person of integrity, with an active Christian faith

To be compassionate, humble and willing to be an emotional, spiritual and physical support to those in need of palliative care

What you will contribute

Arrange appointments for Crew who are ill or need exams or check-ups

Maintain accurate Crew health records and adequate stock levels of supplies

Maintain universal precautions at all times

Record, track and administer immunizations of incoming and current longer term Crew

Facilitate tuberculosis screenings for Crew and Day Crew

Give regular health talks to inform Crew about Crew Clinic services and common illnesses and risks

Assist with the Duty Nurse roster to provide after-hour coverage for Crew when the Crew Clinic and Hospital are closed

Identify and facilitate maintenance of all non-marine first-aid kits on the ship and at the Education, Training, and Advocacy program support facilities

For This Role, You Will Need

Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program

Registered Nurse or Family Practice Nurse Practitioner with current licensure in home country

Minimum two years’ experience following licensure

Some pediatric experience required

Current Basic Life Support certification is required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) are optional

Fluent in English; French is beneficial

What you will contribute

Administer holistic patient care to assigned patients and expect to care for both adults and children on a 20 bed open ward

Employ recent surgical experience in providing pre- and post-operative care to patients receiving maxillofacial, reconstructive plastic, general, obstetric fistula repair, gynecological or orthopedic surgery. Experience in one of these surgical specialties preferred

Partner with local Day Crew translators to provide culturally sensitive and compassionate care to patients

Coordinate patient care with the specialty Team Leaders, Charge Nurses, Hospitalist Physicians and Surgeons

For This Role, You Will Need

Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program will be required for commitments of 12 months or more

Registered Nurse with active license in home country; a minimum two years’ experience needed after licensure

Recent acute inpatient surgical/medical/Emergency Room experience of at least two years full-time or three years part-time in the past 5 years AND at the point of application can show working 30 hours or more per week in any of these clinical areas within the past 12 months

Current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) preferred and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) optional

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with fluency in English

An ability to effectively work with others in a cross-cultural environment

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

🔴 Important Eligibility Note: This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer placement located in Ghana. This opportunity is open ONLY to international volunteers and applicants traveling from outside the African continent (including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica). Because SFLIG operates on a sustainable, grassroots model, volunteers must fully fund their own experience, including international flights, visa arrangements, and the program fee which covers safe community housing, daily meals, airport pickup, and 24/7 onsite support. Local applications cannot be considered for this international framework.

Program Overview

Gain a profound understanding of global maternal health and clinical obstetrics by joining SFLIG Volunteers’ Midwifery placement in Ghana. Tailored specifically for midwifery students, aspiring labor and delivery nurses, OB/GYN residents, and pre-health students, this program offers an immersive look at pre-natal, labor, and post-natal care in resource-limited settings.

Participants shadow local midwives and obstetric nurses in bustling regional hospitals and rural clinics, witnessing firsthand the resourcefulness, cultural practices, and challenges unique to maternal healthcare delivery in West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Observation & Shadowing: Shadow skilled local midwives and obstetric staff during prenatal consultations, active labor, deliveries, and postnatal evaluations.

• Maternal & Neonatal Triage Support: Assist staff under direct supervision with routine tasks such as measuring maternal vitals, tracking fetal heart rates, and charting patient progress.

• Postnatal Care Assistance: Observe and assist with newborn checkups, maternal recovery monitoring, and educational support for new mothers regarding breastfeeding and infant wellness.

• Community Public Health Outreaches: Participate in local community health caravans focused on reproductive health education, family planning resources, and neonatal care in rural villages.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Current student or graduate in Midwifery, Nursing (with a focus on Labor & Delivery), Pre-Med, Public Health, or a related field.

• A deep commitment to patient privacy, clinical ethics, and respect for cultural birth practices.

• Emotional resilience, high adaptability, and the ability to maintain composure in fast-paced, high-stakes clinical environments.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an eagerness to learn from local, experienced midwives.

• Onsite Commitment & Self-Funding: Ability to travel to and reside onsite in Ghana for the duration of your placement, with the financial capacity to cover all associated travel and program expenses.

Cultural Experience & Weekend Tours

Volunteering with SFLIG is more than just clinical work; it is a full cultural immersion. Beyond your hours in the clinic, you will experience the famous warmth and hospitality of Ghana through local language lessons, traditional cooking sessions, and community gatherings.

On the weekends, you will have the opportunity to join coordinated group excursions to explore Ghana's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your placement region, weekend tours can include:

• Walking the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park.

• Exploring the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

• Visiting the vibrant cultural markets of Kumasi.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the coastal region.

Program Flexibility & Hours

• Flexible Start Dates: This is an all-year-round opportunity. Volunteers select their own arrival and departure dates to align with their personal, professional, or academic schedules.

• Customizable Schedules: You have the flexibility to determine your daily hospital/clinic shift lengths and the total number of hours you wish to commit each day, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the local culture.

Gain International Healthcare Experience While Making a Meaningful Difference

SFLIG Volunteers is a registered non-profit organisation based in Ghana that has been connecting international volunteers with meaningful community projects since 2011. We partner with hospitals, clinics and community health facilities to provide supervised medical placements that support local healthcare services while giving volunteers valuable international experience.

Whether you are a student looking to complete a clinical placement or elective, a recent graduate seeking practical experience or a healthcare professional wishing to volunteer abroad, our Medical Volunteer Programme offers a rewarding opportunity to learn, serve and experience Ghanaian culture.

About the Role

As a Medical Volunteer, you will be placed in one of our partner hospitals or healthcare facilities where you will observe and support healthcare professionals within your field of study or expertise. You will gain insight into healthcare delivery in Ghana while working alongside experienced doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Placements are available in a range of departments, including:

• General Medicine
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory Services
• Mental Health
• Community Health
• Emergency Care (subject to availability)

Your placement will be matched to your qualifications, level of study and learning objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Medical Volunteer, you may:

• Observe consultations, examinations and medical procedures.
• Support healthcare professionals with non-invasive patient care under supervision.
• Assist with health education and community outreach activities.
• Support administrative and clinical tasks where appropriate.
• Learn about healthcare systems and public health challenges in Ghana.
• Develop your clinical, communication and intercultural skills.
• Experience Ghanaian culture while making a positive impact in local communities.

Academic Credit Opportunities

Many universities and colleges recognise international clinical placements, electives, internships or practicum experiences for academic credit.

SFLIG Volunteers is happy to support your institution's requirements by providing:

• Placement confirmation letters
• Learning objectives and placement information
• Supervisor verification (where applicable)
• Mid-placement and final evaluations (where required)
• Certificates of participation
• Documentation to support internship, elective or practicum requirements

Please note: The awarding of academic credit is determined solely by your university or training institution.

Who We're Looking For

This programme is suitable for:

• Medical students
• Nursing students
• Midwifery students
• Pharmacy students
• Physiotherapy students
• Public Health students
• Allied Health students
• Qualified healthcare professionals
• Recent graduates seeking international clinical experience

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Compassionate and professional
• Eager to learn and adapt
• Respectful of patient confidentiality
• Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proficient in English

What's Included

Your programme includes:

• Volunteer accommodation
• Three meals each day
• Airport pickup on arrival
• Local SIM card
• Drinking water
• Orientation and ongoing in-country support
• Certificate of Participation upon successful completion

Important Information

This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer programme based in Accra, Ghana. Volunteers are responsible for their programme fee, international flights, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses.

All volunteers work under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals and must comply with the policies, procedures and ethical standards of the host healthcare facility. Volunteers will only undertake activities appropriate to their qualifications, experience and level of training.

Cultural Experience & Weekend Tours

Volunteering with SFLIG is a full cultural immersion. Beyond your hours at your placement, you will experience the famous warmth and hospitality of Ghana through local language lessons, traditional cooking sessions, and community gatherings.

On the weekends, you will have the opportunity to join coordinated group excursions to explore Ghana's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your placement region, weekend tours can include:

• Walking the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park.

• Exploring the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

• Visiting the vibrant cultural markets of Kumasi.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the coastal region.

If you are passionate about healthcare, eager to broaden your clinical experience and committed to making a positive difference, we would love to welcome you to the SFLIG Volunteers team.

Apply today and take the next step in your healthcare journey while making a lasting impact in Ghana.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support Public Health Nursing teams by helping parents use baby weighing equipment in a welcoming and safe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents, carers, and babies to the self-weigh session in a friendly and approachable way.

· Explain how to use the weighing equipment safely and accurately (training provided).

· Support parents to record their baby’s weight on growth charts or apps as appropriate.

· Ensure the weighing area is safe, clean, and ready for families to use.

· Provide reassurance and encouragement to parents and carers.

· Signpost any questions or concerns about a baby’s health or development to a Family Centre staff member

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, patient, and approachable.

· Good communication and listening skills.

· Confident in supporting parents to use simple equipment (training given).

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Respectful and non-judgemental towards all families.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support qualified staff in creating a welcoming environment for families attending breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents and carers to infant feeding sessions, making them feel at ease.

· Offer encouragement, reassurance, and a listening ear to families, providing peer support under staff guidance.

· Support with preparing and tidying away resources used during sessions.

· Model sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity when discussing feeding choices.

· Promote the benefits of breastfeeding and infant feeding best practices (Hertfordshire Family Centres are Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) accredited through UNICEF)

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable and empathetic.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Respectful and non-judgemental attitude towards different feeding choices

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Experience of infant feeding (personal or professional)

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

The volunteering activity

We are looking for volunteers to help raise awareness of the Mental Health SPA across the communities we serve.

Volunteers will support the project by distributing leaflets and posters to community venues including GP surgeries, cafés, supermarkets, libraries, community centres, faith centres and other places where local people regularly meet. By increasing awareness of the service, volunteers will help ensure that people know where to turn if they, or someone they know, are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support.

Considerations:

This role involves travelling within the local community to distribute promotional materials.
Some lone working may be involved; therefore we recommend volunteers work in pairs where possible.
Volunteers should seek permission before displaying or leaving promotional materials at any venue 

Role Summary

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in South Oxford that take place at 10 am to noon on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.

Key Responsibilities:

· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.

· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).

· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.

· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.

· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.

· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.

· Good communication skills.

· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.

· Knowledge of the local area and networks

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines