Medical equipment volunteering
| "I really believe the wheelchair helped enormously in Conor’s recovery."
Apply now |
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For some people, a wheelchair can mean the difference between having a social life and being stuck at home. We provide a range of medical equipment – including walking aids and back rests – on free short-term loans, enabling people with mobility issues to lead a more independent life.
How would I be helping people?
As a medical equipment volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping to bring a little extra freedom and independence to people’s lives. Your role could include:
- demonstrating how to use and maintain our wheelchairs and other items
- helping monitor the delivery and collection of equipment
- checking and cleaning equipment on its return.
What skills and training do I need?
You should have good communication skills and be able to deal with service users in a sensitive manner. We will show you how to demonstrate and generally service medical equipment.
How much time do I need to give up?
You and your volunteering manager will discuss how much time you are able to give. Since our volunteering opportunities depend on local needs, some areas may need volunteers more regularly or for longer hours than others. If one of our services requires more time than you are able to give, we may have other volunteering opportunities that fit your schedule.
Why are volunteers needed?
Without volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.
How do I apply?
You can search and apply online for medical equipment volunteering opportunities. You can also talk to a service manager about current opportunities near you.
True story: Road to recovery
When brave Conor, 9, had a major operation, doctors warned he faced a long recovery period and that, unfortunately, the NHS couldn’t provide a children’s wheelchair.
At first, Conor was at a complete loss. But just one quick visit to the friendly volunteers at the Red Cross’ medical equipment service, changed everything. Conor chose a children’s wheelchair that he used to get around for the first six weeks of his recovery.
Conor’s mum, Adele, remembers: “I don’t know what we would have done without his wheelchair. It gave him much more freedom and meant that going around the corner to his friend’s house was a quick stroll rather than a struggle.
“I really believe the wheelchair helped enormously in Conor’s recovery and can’t thank the Red Cross enough.”
Apply now | |
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