Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives. Whenever your reason for volunteering, the impact of your contribution can have a far-reaching effect. 

NL Health Services offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities across our facilities and community health programs throughout the province.

For more information about volunteering, please see Frequently asked questions.

Our volunteers include students, adults, families, community groups and businesses. Volunteers are enthusiastic, dependable and committed to making a difference. If you’re interested in joining our volunteer team, please read the following information and contact a representative in your area of interest. They will guide you through the process and let you know about potential opportunities and expected timelines for screening. 

Volunteering has many benefits including:

• Contributes to the health and well-being of patients, residents and families.
• Gain a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Network opportunities with health professionals and other volunteers.
• Learn valuable skills and gain experience in various health care and service areas.
• Give back to your community.
• Share and expand your skills and experiences.
• Gain experience for future job opportunities, including references for resumes.
• Earn credits for educational requirements.
• Meet new people and make new friends.

Volunteers are essential to the quality care we provide at NL Health Services, making a positive impact on the lives and health-care experiences of our patients, residents, clients, families and staff. 

There are many opportunities to share your time to engage in meaningful activities and roles including:  

• Ambulatory treatment clinics: Provide light refreshments and companionship for those undergoing treatment.
• Beauty clubs: Spend time with residents/patients to polish nails or style hair.
• Breast cancer screening: Offer support and companionship to patients.
• Cancer Treatment Unit: Support patients by offering drinks, blankets, or a friendly conversation.
• Clerical/Office support: Assist staff with clerical tasks in clinics and offices.
• Client and family advisors: If you’ve been a client or had a family member as a client in the last three years, you can give feedback and help improve care through committees or short-term projects.
• Comfort assistants: Visit patients to see if they need an extra pillow, blankets or assistance with mealtimes.
• Community Companion Program: Accompany residents to activities and events.
• Events: Help organize fundraising events with the health foundations.
• Friendly visiting: Offer companionship and support by visiting patients and residents and participating in conversation, reading, games, puzzles and meal-time assistance.
• Fundraising: Participate in fundraising activities (e.g. ticket sales, used book sales) to support patient and resident care.
• Gift shops: Work at the gift shop to support health foundations and auxiliaries.
• Information desk attendant/Wayfinder: Help people navigate facilities and find their appointments.
• Library cart: Provide reading materials to patients and residents on nursing units.
• Mealtime companion: Escort residents to the dining area and provide company during meals.
• Music/Entertainment: Share musical talents by providing entertainment.
• Night lunches: Deliver snacks to patients in hospital.
• Palliative care: Assist in the palliative care unit, offering support like baking treats, providing tea, or simply being there as a comforting presence. 
• Pastoral care services: Help with church services and pastoral care activities. 
• Physiotherapy services: Assist with moving residents to and from physiotherapy activities.
• Therapeutic recreation: Support staff with recreational activities, including arts and crafts, bowling, bingo, movie nights, special events and community outings.
• Therapy Dog Program: Work with St. John Ambulance therapy dogs and their owners to bring comfort to residents. For information, contact St. John Ambulance.

Visit the Contact us section to connect with a volunteer representative in your area. They can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

For more information about joining our team, please contact: Volunteer.Resources@nlhealthservices.ca