Volunteering at Mildmay Hospital
Give your time.
Change a life.
Be part of something meaningful.
At Mildmay, volunteers help people facing some of the most complex health and social challenges to feel seen, supported and valued.
Whether it’s offering companionship, welcoming visitors, or helping behind the scenes, volunteering with us is a powerful way to make a real difference and to be part of a compassionate, committed community.
Volunteers are at the heart of Mildmay. They bring warmth, humanity and connection to our work, and many tell us they gain just as much as they give.
We are always looking for volunteers who could spare a couple of hours on weekends or in the evenings to befriend our patients.
Weekends are really quiet at Mildmay, and our patients sometimes crave visitors to stave off loneliness and isolation - to talk to, or perhaps play cards, or in some other way, help to pass the time.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us today:
Why volunteer with Mildmay?
Volunteering with Mildmay is about more than giving time. It’s about dignity, inclusion and care.
By volunteering with us, you can:
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Make a meaningful difference to people living with HIV, neurological conditions, and those experiencing homelessness
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Offer companionship and kindness at moments when it matters most
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Gain confidence, skills and experience in a supportive healthcare environment
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Meet new people and feel part of a values-driven organisation
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Support a charity with a long history of innovation, compassion and social justice
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Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.
You don’t need medical experience - just empathy, reliability and a willingness to listen.
What do Mildmay volunteers do?
We offer a range of volunteering opportunities to suit different interests, skills and availability. Current roles may include:
Befriending and patient support
Spending time with patients through conversation, games, reading or simply being there. This role makes a huge difference to wellbeing and morale.
The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self confidence.
Reception and welcome support
Greeting visitors, helping people find their way, and creating a warm, calm first impression of Mildmay.
Gardens and estates support
Helping to maintain our gardens and outdoor spaces, contributing to a peaceful and healing environment.
Plus
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Administrative and project support
Assisting with office tasks, archives or short-term projects that support our wider charitable work.
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Chaplaincy support
Supporting our chaplaincy service in ways agreed with the team, helping meet spiritual and pastoral needs.
Kim Wilde in the Mildmay Garden
Availability varies, and we’ll always discuss what feels right for you.
What you can expect from us
We want volunteering at Mildmay to be positive, safe and rewarding.
All volunteers receive:
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A welcoming induction and ongoing support
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Relevant training for their role
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Clear boundaries and guidance
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Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
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The opportunity to develop skills and confidence over time
You’ll be supported by our Volunteer Coordinator and the wider Mildmay team.
"It is so simple to make a difference, you just have to care"
Georgia, Mildmay volunteer
How to apply
We aim to make the process clear and supportive:
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Download and complete the volunteer application form
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Send your completed form to the Volunteer Coordinator
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Attend an informal interview or chat
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Complete checks and attend induction
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Begin volunteering with support and guidance
Some roles require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which we will explain fully.
If you are interested in volunteering at Mildmay’s hospital in East London, are able to travel, maintain confidentiality (and have had a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check done in the last year), email our Volunteer Coordinator at: mildmay.volunteer@nhs.net
We only ask that you intend to volunteer for at least six months. This regular commitment ensures that both you and Mildmay get the most from volunteering, but of course, we are also flexible and understand that there may be some weeks when you cannot attend.
Please note that volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
