Befriending In Healthcare And Mental Health (NHS)

The Befriending in Healthcare and Mental Health (NHS) Project is an opportunity to volunteer in clinical and residential settings across Cardiff & The Vale University Health board (CAVUHB), supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges, illness, dementia, rehabilitation, or recovery.

Volunteers on the project facilitate weekly activities such as arts and crafts, games, music, baking and conversation, helping to reduce loneliness and create meaningful social connection for patients and residents.

This role offers hands-on experience within healthcare environments and the opportunity to volunteer directly alongside patients, residents and NHS staff. Volunteers may be placed within:

• medical wards
• psychiatric units
• dementia wards
• rehabilitation settings
•  mental health supported living services.

No previous healthcare experience is required for the role. Volunteers will receive mandatory training before beginning placement, including NHS and project-specific training. Volunteers will also have ongoing support from the SVC Project Coordinator, Lead Volunteers and NHS staff throughout the year.

This opportunity may be particularly valuable for those interested in careers within psychology, mental health, healthcare, social care or related professions. It is also open to anyone passionate about supporting people within their local community.

The project runs in line with our local universities’ academic year, but you do not have to be a student to apply and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

What You Will Gain

Volunteers can:

• Gain experience within healthcare or mental health environments.
• Develop communication, leadership and teamwork skills.
• Build confidence working with diverse groups of people.
• Access additional training opportunities.
• Meet like-minded volunteers.
• Become part of a supportive volunteering community.

Volunteer Roles Available:

General Volunteer

General Volunteers are expected to:

• Volunteer approximately 2 hours per week on your allocated ward.
• Commit to the project from September/October – May (excluding holidays and exam periods).
• Give advanced notice if you’re unable to attend a session.

This role is best suited to volunteers who can commit consistently to a weekly session across the academic year.

Floating Support Volunteer

If you are unable to commit to a regular weekly placement but would still like to be involved in the project, you may apply to become a Floating Support Volunteer.

Floating Support Volunteers:

• Are added to a volunteer group chat.
• Can sign up to available sessions when they are free.
• May support different wards and settings depending on need.
• Help provide cover when regular volunteers are unavailable.

This role offers greater flexibility while still allowing volunteers to gain experience within healthcare and mental health settings.

Please contact info@svcymru.org if you are interested in applying or if you have nay questions about the role!