How you can contribute
We value our volunteers for their important role in helping us provide quality health care in Hunter New England. We all work together towards our vision: Healthy people – now and in the future.
There are many ways to volunteer with us, such as:
- greeting families and visitors in a friendly way
- helping in kiosks to raise money
- spending time with patients and families, offering support or activities.
The activities you can help with will depend on what your local health facility needs.
You can give as little or as much time as you like. Every bit helps make a difference.
Where you can volunteer
Find out how to volunteer at our hospitals and services and apply now.
John Hunter Hospital
Our John Hunter Hospital volunteers help make patients comfortable and cared for in the hospital. We're looking for people with many different talents and skills.
Volunteering at John Hunter Hospital is rewarding and meaningful. As a volunteer, you will be part of the hospital community and help staff in many different ways. You'll also join a hardworking fundraising team that helps improve the health and wellbeing of our patients.
Volunteer roles include:
- hospital guide
- retail fundraiser
- ward assistants
- general hospital assistant
- patient visitor
- emergency department assistant
- intensive care unit concierge
- ward trolleys
- administration assistant
- auxiliary committee member.
How to apply
John Hunter Children's Hospital
Our volunteers at John Hunter Children's Hospital support patients, families, and staff. They include professionals, retirees, university students, parents, and grandparents.
Volunteering here is a popular way to give back to the community. We get many applications each month, so not all can be processed right away.
Before applying, please think carefully about your commitment. Staff and patients depend on dedicated volunteers.
We cannot offer volunteer or work experience positions to anyone under 18.
What we need from you
To be a volunteer, you must:
- be over 18 years old
- have no history of violence, drug offenses, sex offenses, or crimes against children
- understand infection control, privacy, confidentiality, and workplace safety
- get your own Working with Children Check
- know that our facilities are smoke-free environments.
How to apply
View current volunteer opportunities and apply now
Volunteering at First Steps Parenting Centre
First Steps Parenting Centre (FSPC) is a secondary service located at Wallsend Health Campus for families with children aged 0-5 years who have not yet started school. To volunteer at FSPC call (02) 4924 6550.
Maitland Hospital Volunteers Inc
The Maitland Hospital Volunteers provide care and comfort to hospitalised patients and their families at their time of greatest need. Volunteer opportunities are available in a range of roles in Maitland, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Hospitals.
How to apply
Mental health volunteers
We provide mental health services in hospitals and the community, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehab, and ongoing care.
Our volunteer opportunities are open to all individuals who meet the necessary requirements and are passionate about supporting mental health.
Why volunteer in mental health
- help make our community healthier now and for the future
- learn more about mental health and help reduce stigma
- improve your communication and confidence
- work with professional staff and get experience in mental health services
- receive a reference after a qualifying period.
What we need from you
We want volunteers who are kind, understanding, and non-judgmental about mental health. We need you to be reliable and commit at least 1 hour a week or every 2 weeks for at least 3 months.
To become a volunteer, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- pass a National Police Check and, for some roles, a Working with Children Check
- meet NSW Health vaccination and health screening requirements
- agree to the NSW Health Code of Conduct
- complete mandatory training
- follow NSW Health policies.
We will help you meet these requirements and fill out the paperwork, at no cost to you. After you apply, we will contact you for a "meet and greet" to discuss roles and see if you are a good fit.
We do not offer or support educational placements for volunteers.
How to apply
Palliative care volunteers
Our team of volunteers in Community Palliative Care help patients and their families by providing support, care, and a listening ear.
Volunteers work with the Taree and Forster Community Palliative Care Teams to support patients with serious illnesses and their families. They visit homes to offer practical help, companionship, and emotional support. Here are some ways they assist:
- giving caregivers a break by sitting with the patient
- helping with shopping or transportation to appointments
- running errands
- having a cup of tea and a chat
- taking the patient out to a cafe or for shopping.
Paediatric palliative care volunteer
Paediatric palliative care volunteering is a rewarding and meaningful way to offer help and support to patients and their families. Our volunteers and families are carefully matched to create the best experience possible.
Sharni's story
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Paediatric palliative care volunteer - Sharni's story
Sharnie loves visiting her volunteer family, providing support wherever she can, which has been a big help for the family.
What we need from you
To become a volunteer, you must:
- be over 18 years old
- have no criminal history involving violence, drugs, sex offences, or crimes against children
- understand infection control, privacy, confidentiality, and workplace safety
- get your own Working with Children Check.
How to apply
Contact Hunter New England LHD
We welcome your questions, feedback, compliments, and information requests. Contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you. Your input is important to us.