Volunteering has always been at the heart of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, woven into our history since the very beginning. 

Today, that legacy continues through a passionate community of local people who give their time, energy, and compassion to make a genuine difference.

Our volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year, playing a vital role in enhancing both patient and staff experience. From offering a warm welcome or a listening ear, to supporting teams across our services, their presence brings added kindness, connection, and value that goes far beyond clinical care.

The impact of volunteering is felt every day—in the comfort it brings to patients, the support it offers to families and carers, and the positive difference it makes to our staff. It strengthens our services, enriches our communities, and highlights the true social value of giving time to others.

Quite simply, our volunteers help make CHFT not just a place of care, but a place of compassion, humanity, and community.

We truly couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers—and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

Volunteering is growing at CHFT, with our newly shaped volunteering service bringing even more opportunities to be part of patient care. At the heart of this is our core Hospital Support Volunteer role, designed to make a real impact across ward areas in both of our hospitals. It’s a fantastic way to be right at the centre of where compassion, care, and connection matter most.

The best part? Volunteering with CHFT is open to anyone aged 17 and over, from all walks of life. With a wide variety of roles available, there’s something for everyone—whether you want to build experience, give back, or simply be part of something meaningful.

However you choose to give your time, you’ll be making a genuine difference to the lives of local people who rely on our services every day. Even a small contribution can have a powerful impact.

And it’s not just about giving—it’s about gaining too. Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, build friendships, and be part of a supportive and welcoming community. 

From celebration events to social opportunities and long-service recognition, there’s plenty to enjoy along the way.
Step forward and be part of something truly meaningful. 

Whether you’re looking to give back, connect with your community, or experience the rewarding impact of helping others, volunteering with CHFT is a powerful way to make your time count.

Find out more

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering opportunities, we’d love to hear from you at chftvolunteering@cht.nhs.uk
To help create consistency and meaningful impact, we kindly ask for a minimum six-month commitment for our regular volunteering roles wherever possible.

Volunteering vs Work Experience – what’s the difference?

Volunteering is about giving your time to support patients, families, and staff through compassionate, people-focused roles. It’s flexible, community-driven, and centred around making a difference.

Work experience, on the other hand, is typically short-term and structured to provide insight into specific careers or departments, often with defined learning objectives and observational opportunities.

As such, Volunteering Services does not facilitate work experience placements. If you’re interested in work experience, please contact wideningparticipation@cht.nhs.uk to explore those opportunities.