Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is seeking people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven to join a team of volunteers that ensures the views of people who use its services are heard.

The Care Trust is recruiting 20 volunteers who are enthusiastic about helping people share their experiences of Trust services, to a patient and carer feedback project, running December 2020 – March 2021.  The volunteer role is vital as the Trust continues to provide care throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and will help to inform what the Trust is doing well, what it can still learn from, and to share and celebrate its successes.

The provider of mental health, community health and specialist learning disability services is committed to reducing barriers and making it easier for people to share their experience and views, improving access for those whose voices are often unheard.  As such, it needs to hear from a wide range of people who use its services, including those with multiple barriers such as language, disability, or being unable to use electronic methods.

Through funding from the NHS England Winter Pressures programme, the project will help to increase the amount of quality feedback the Trust receives, as there are often practical challenges when there is a high demand in winter.  By providing an additional option for people to share their views over the phone, there is also more privacy for people who may prefer to talk to someone who is not providing their care, and by receiving feedback close to when the service was used, the Trust can identify and act on any concerns quickly.

Due to start in January 2021, the Trust would like to initially recruit volunteers who can work independently at home and who have excellent communication skills.   Volunteers must also be able to use a mobile phone (provided by the Trust), as the main role will involve telephoning people after using a service to ask questions.  The successful volunteers must have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet connected to the internet, with IT skills to be able to use email and online questionnaires, as the responses will be typed into a survey tool, then submitted via the internet.

The Trust particularly encourages applications from potential volunteers who represent the diversity of its local communities.

Catherine Jowitt, Volunteer and Charity Lead, comments: “As the NHS enters a challenging winter our volunteers continue to play a critical part in supporting our patients and staff. This project will ensure that we continue to get meaningful feedback about the services we provide ensuring that our patients are receiving the best possible care.”

If members of the public are interested in volunteering for this project and would like to apply, please visit www.bdct.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteering or email volunteer@bdct.nhs.uk for further information.

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