Volunteer in health and care
Support people in your community when they need it most. Join the British Red Cross as a health and care volunteer today.
Why volunteer in healthcare and care?
From giving non-medical support to people waiting in A&E, to making sure those coming home from hospital have the things they need, the British Red Cross is there for people when they need it most.
As a health and care volunteer, you’ll be a friendly companion and help people with things like essential shopping, collecting prescriptions and connecting with their local community.
Join us today and help make a real difference to people’s lives.
Registration opening in September
We're currently making some updates to our volunteering website. Please do check back in September when we'll be sharing new healthcare volunteering roles. Thank you for your patience.
How you can help
No two days are the same when volunteering in care and everyone needs help in different ways.
Depending on your role and where in the UK you live, you might:
- Give emotional and practical help.
Support people who need our help with health and care. - Help with everyday tasks.
Lend a hand with things like essential shopping and picking up prescriptions. - Support people’s independence.
Help people to build and maintain their independence through home visits and community events. - Provide transport to appointments.
Help people to get to and from their medical appointments safely. - Work with other services.
Help people to get the healthcare and social support that they need.
Who can apply?
You’ll get all the training you need to succeed, but we’re also looking for someone who is:
- Over 18 - looking to help those in need.
- Ready to learn - no formal qualifications needed, just a desire to help.
- Supportive - empathetic and patient with people in need.
- Friendly - a great communicator with good people skills.
- Trustworthy - able to maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism.
- Responsive - ready to work as part of a volunteer rota when needed.
Specific requirements and duties may vary depending on your role and location. Some of our roles may require a criminal record check.
Benefits of volunteering
As a health and care volunteer, you will:
- Make a real change to people’s lives and wellbeing.
- Gain valuable experience in health and care.
- Get training provided and pre-agreed travel expenses.
- Build your confidence and grow your communication and empathy skills.
- Be part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation and truly make a difference.
Join us today and start volunteering
Find out if we have healthcare volunteer roles available in your area and apply now.
"I feel as if I'm doing something useful. I feel good about what I do as well, because it's useful to somebody, I have the time to give.
I don't have lots of money, but I have time. And time is money sometimes these days.”
Val, Health and Care Volunteer
We've got roles for everyone
There are lots of ways to get involved and make a difference at the British Red Cross.
If this role doesn't suit you, take a look at some of our other openings, from retail to emergency response.
Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact us page.