Volunteering to help someone at home after being in hospital

We link people who need a bit of help after a stay in hospital with volunteers who can provide that support for up to 6 weeks.

If you're interested in joining our team of volunteers in shaping our new service email volunteersupport@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Call our project leads, Helena or Alex on 01625 374050 for a chat about how you can get involved, or register your details on the Home from hospital register.

Who needs our help

Most people who leave hospital after a stay of a few days, weeks or even longer, have good networks of families and friends and need nothing from us.

However, many people don’t have this support and would really benefit from someone turning on the heating before they leave hospital and making sure there’s some tea and milk ready for them, doing a little shopping or giving them a lift to a medical appointment.

Just as important is someone who will stop and chat and get to know them as people, and help us to give them better support whether through longer term befriending or by supporting their family carer. Family carers are often exhausted and need help too.  

Some people are lonely and isolated and need company, a brew and a chat with someone who cares can be powerful medicine. They might also benefit from being accompanied to a local service for a few weeks, an activity or support group they feel too shy to go to otherwise.

We aim to provide support for around six weeks with a flexible approach. We recognise that many people need much less than that, whilst some may need more.

Volunteers

We link volunteers, sometimes one person, sometimes a team of people, with up to two people who need support for around six weeks.

We believe that the best support happens near where you live. We link volunteers with people in your community for support that is delivered in the person's home.  The service runs across Cheshire East and focuses on people who are discharged from Macclesfield and Crewe Leighton hospitals.

We help people from different backgrounds and walks of life, and we need a team of volunteers from all walks of life and with different life experience.

Training

You'll need to attend 1 day’s training, and attend our team meetings (not all, we realise that’s not practical).  We hold regular meetings with our teams so we can share ideas and experiences, support each other and get to know each other too.

You'll need to be over 18, and as you'll be working with vulnerable adults, we'll carry out an enhanced DBS check. Having a criminal record doesn't necessarily mean you can't support, let us know and we'll talk it through.  

Travel costs

We pay mileage, or reasonable travel (public transport) costs for this role, as we don’t want you to be out of pocket. You don’t need to be a driver, some tasks will need a driver, but many won’t. 

We’ll need to see your drivers’ licence and car insurance to check that you’re insured for volunteer work (Cheshire East Council insure you for the role, but our insurers ask for this). 

Information for Professionals

Most people who leave hospital have good networks of families and friends who help them and we know they’ll be fine on their own.  

We’re here to support those people who don't have a support network, or whose support network is exhausted. We link people with volunteers who can stop and chat and signpost or proactively support people into accessing additional services and benefits available to them.

All volunteers are carefully selected, DBS checked, trained and well supported in this role. As this service is designed to work with, not replace medical and social care work, volunteers are not able to do any personal care, administer medicines or do any moving and handling.

Discharging people from hospital

If you’re a discharge professional from Macclesfield hospital and would like to find out more, email volunteersupport@cheshireeast.gov.uk, or call project leads Helena or Alex on 01625 374050.  

We are only able to take referrals from discharge professionals in Macclesfield hospital from July 2024, and Crewe from Autumn 2024 and not from any other third sector or statutory services.