Volunteering opportunities at WMS
Why volunteer?
There are so many fabulous reasons to volunteer but here are a few to get you started:
- Give back and make a difference in your community
- Connect with people in your local area
- Gain new skills and meet new people!
Check out Nico's video below of why you should volunteer and how it can make a difference to us medics!
Opportunities with Warwick Volunteers
Warwick Volunteers, run by the Student Opportunity team at Warwick, offers a huge variety of opportunities for you to get involved in volunteering and make a difference in the communities around campus and the local area, including Coventry, Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and online. Scroll down this webpage if you're interested in homegrown opportunities but if not, follow the link below!
Each opportunity has different levels of commitment so if you can only commit for a few hours or want to volunteer on a weekly basis then we're sure you’ll find something that is just right for you!
Questions, Queries or Concerns:
If you have any questions, need volunteers, want to contact one of our societies or have any concerns around volunteering please complete the relevant form below:
Warwick Medical School opportunities
As well as the opportunities offered by the wider university, we have several 'homegrown' volunteering activities set up by the WMS community which have more of a health focus.
Teddy Bear Hospital
Regular opportunities to volunteer with kids at Rainbows, Brownies and Scouts etc. bringing their teddies to familiarise them with medical situations. Take a look at their Instagram, @wmsteddybearhospitalLink opens in a new window for more information or to arrange a session, give them an email on: Teddybearhospital@warwick.ac.uk
Bedside Play
Regular opportunities to bring play into the paediatric wards and get the patients involved in crafts, activities and fun! Take a look at their Instagram, @wmsbedsideplayLink opens in a new window for more information.
Memory Lane Café
Every Wednesday, 1.00pm - 3.00pm, at the Sydni Centre in Leamington Spa. Come along to join the fun with people in the community living with dementia, their carers, friends and family. Take a look at their Instagram, @wms_memory_lane_cafeLink opens in a new window for more information.
Pop-up health checks
These run on Thursday and Fridays but look out for Moodle noticeboard announcements for specific dates. These offer free health checks, such as blood pressure, glucose levels and cholesterol checks to the local community. You would also offer health and lifestyle advice based on the results and, if needed, signpost people to further support services.
The Makery and Individual Chapters, Nuneaton
Any offer of time is invaluable to Sioux who runs these wonderful places! These two places offer a community hub that focuses on mental health improvements, connection and a shop that “supports, signposts and advocates for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, violence, rape, human trafficking, modern-day slavery and hate crime”. Please contact guardiansgrowcharity@icloud.com if you would like to dedicate some time, all is appreciated!
WMS STAR
Teaching care of the unconscious patient, basic life support, burns care and choking management to service users, WMS STAR run first aid workshops in Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre on the last Wednesday of the month, 6.00pm - 7.30pm. Take a look at their Instagram, @wms.starLink opens in a new window for more information.
Mass casualty events with Wilderness Society
A few times a year Wilderness society need volunteer ‘patients’ to help in a mass casualty simulation event so watch out on their Instagram, @warwick_wilderness_medicineLink opens in a new window and WhatsApp group for the opportunity!
Be a First Responder
A new scheme looking at getting basic life support trained volunteers out in the community to help in high category emergency calls. Check out NHS Jobs for this before the deadline for applications.
Community Resus training
Our Basic Life Support group supports BLS training that is mandatory for Phase Is but you are welcome to volunteer as an instructor from Phase II onwards. Community BLS is also something we are looking to roll out further. If you are interested, keep an eye out on the community noticeboard and WhatsApp groups and their Instagram, @rmd.warwick Link opens in a new windowor email rmdwarwick@warwick.ac.uk to organise a session!
WMS CrowdMed
WMS CrowdMed are a society that source volunteering opportunities for those interested in event medicine. From sports and music events to politics and protests, they cover a range of opportunities and voluntary work will be throughout the year. Follow their Instagram, @wmscrowdmedLink opens in a new window for more information and to look out for the event opportunities!
Sexpression Warwick
Sexpression Warwick are a society that run "inclusive sex, consent and relationship events and workshops". This involves students on campus, in addition to bringing training workshops out into the community and schools! Follow their Instagram, @sexpression.warwickLink opens in a new window for more information and to look out for the event opportunities and check out their linktree: linktr.ee/sexpression.WarwickLink opens in a new window.
Prehospital Emergency Medicine and Trauma Education (PHEMTEC)
The Prehospital Emergency Medicine and Trauma Educational (PHEMTEC) conference is an annual student run conference hosted at Warwick Medical School. Aimed at medical and paramedical students, It is a 2 day event featuring talks, workshops and simulations.
We are looking for volunteers on the 27th April for a major incident simulation running as part of the conference. This would involve having moulage (special effects make up) applied to simulate injuries and then acting as a patient for simulations. No prior experience is necessary and a full briefing will be given in the morning. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.
This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in healthcare or keen to help train the next generation of doctors.
A £10 deposit will be required on signing up, and this will be refunded on the day.
Volunteers can also get cheaper tickets to the event talks on the Saturday.
Please contact us at phemtec@warwick.ac.uk if interested or for any enquiries.
MotoGP - Silverstone Circuit; Medical Marshals needed
Stay and Play - St Michael's Children and Family Centre, Keresley
St Michael's Children and Family Centre are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic individual to support their team during their busy Stay and Play group!
This would be a great opportunity to get more experience with working with children and finding out about the health needs of the community!
If you would like more info or are interested, please contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Lesley Rae: 02476494171 or lesley.rae@stmichaels.covmat.org
Wellbeing Centre Volunteers - Mary Ann Hospice
Mary Ann are looking for volunteers who are eager to support the delivery of their wellbeing services to patients and clients. As a volunteer at their hospice, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others!
Key responsibilities:
- Support nursing staff and catering staff with the wellbeing services
- Help with making refreshments or assist the patients at the refreshments.
- Support or lead on Wellbeing activities as guided by staff.
- Help to ensure the Wellbeing Centre and other areas are safe, tidy and clean.
- Provide support with arranging patient transport including safe access to, from and out of the hospice.
- Provide companionship and support to patients and clients.
If interested, please contact 02476865440 or email: maehenquiries@geh.nhs.uk to apply for the role.