SMALL words can make a big difference.

That's the message from the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust as it looks to recruit more volunteers for its multi-faith chaplaincy service.

Volunteers from all religions – as well as those from none - are being sought to help bring a listening ear and a kind word into the lives of patients on the wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital.

The chaplaincy team is multi-faith, consisting of seven chaplains representing all major religions in the city, who provide pastoral healthcare for those of religious belief and those of no faith.

Hospital chaplain, Maryam Riaz said: “For many patients, the chaplaincy service is a vital source of comfort during their stay. Chaplaincy volunteers help supplement this service by visiting patients and providing a listening ear and words of encouragement. They carry out visits to hospital patients for a few hours every week, to give support and reassurance.

“The chaplaincy team currently has 67 volunteers but we want to expand its reach even further.”

Volunteers need to be aged 17 and over, and be able to commit at least two-to-three hours every week to the hospital.

All volunteers must undergo a training course, led by the hospital chaplains, before they are permitted to work on the Trust’s wards.

Maryam added: “The chaplains deliver a thorough training programme to equip potential volunteers with the essential skills that are required for visiting patients.

“This includes vital listening skills, how to provide general support to people in a variety of different situations that might occur during their hospital stay, understanding religion and spirituality from different faiths, and an introduction to providing bereavement support.”

A four-day induction course for chaplaincy volunteers has now been arranged for Monday to Thursday, October 1 to 4, from 9.30am to 3.30pm at St Luke’s Hospital. Anyone interested should apply now, so the various checks can take place ahead of training.

If you are interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer, please contact Dawn Arnison on 01274 365819 or email dawn.arnison@bthft.nhs.uk.