Volunteer your way into an NHS career
A new programme being rolled out in Kent and Medway will help people turn voluntary roles into a career in healthcare.
Delivered through the East Kent Health and Care Partnership, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) is one of the organisations looking to recruit volunteers as part of the national Helpforce ‘Volunteer to Career’ programme, helping enthusiastic and motivated people move into careers through volunteering.
There will initially be two types of volunteering roles available; either as a One You volunteer or as an NHS Health Checks outreach volunteer. Both roles will suit anyone wanting to learn more about adult health improvement and local interventions.
The One You volunteer role will be based at the One You Shop in Ashford, welcoming members of the public and supporting them to kick-start lifestyle changes including losing weight, stopping smoking, getting more active or reducing their alcohol intake.
The NHS Health Checks outreach volunteer role will involve travelling to outreach events in east Kent, providing brief intervention conversations, signposting to other services and engaging the public in free NHS health checks available.
People who successfully apply for the roles will be fully supported throughout the programme by the Volunteer Service, One You Kent and NHS Health Checks Teams at KCHFT, as well as the Kent Volunteers Centre in Ashford. After the placement they will be in a position to apply for permanent jobs at the trust.
Claire Baldock, Voluntary Service Manager at KCHFT, said:
“Whether you’re at the start of your career, or you’re looking to switch careers, the Volunteer to Career programme offers a unique way to gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting with a direct route to a fulfilling career in the NHS or health and social care.
“You’ll gain valuable skills supported by experienced professionals in our One You Kent and NHS Health Checks Teams, learning how to deliver health MOTs measuring blood pressure and body mass index. We’ll support you throughout your volunteering role so that by the end of the programme, you’ll have a good foundation of experience to go on and apply for a paid role in healthcare.”
