A recruitment campaign which aims to encourage more people to come forward and help improve the lives of hospital patients and visitors is coming to a Bradford shopping centre.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking for volunteers who can spend a few hours every week to help with a range of duties, including being a hospital guide, tea bar helper, patient support volunteer or play assistant.

Hospital staff will be in the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Bradford, on Thursday, October 25, between 10am and 2pm, when people can find out more about being a volunteer at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s Hospital or at one of the district’s four community hospitals.

There will also be events at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital’s outpatient departments between November 6 and 16.

Chris Heaton, voluntary services nurse manager, said: “Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for people to give something back to the city’s hospital and make a difference to the sick adults and children of Bradford.

“We are looking for those special people in our community who can make a real difference to the lives of our patients, from helping them at mealtimes to brushing their hair and plumping their pillows, from taking our mobile shop around the wards to volunteering on hospital radio. We have roles for everyone who wants to help.

“After all, it’s about helping with those little things that really can make big differences when you are not well. And as well as providing valuable support here at our hospitals, volunteering also has real benefits as it is known to increase people’s self-esteem and confidence, give them the opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills, and can help them to meet new people and make new friends.

“The Foundation Trust is extremely grateful to all our 550 volunteers for the support we receive day after day and we look forward to welcoming anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering to our forthcoming events.”

For more information on volunteering, contact Volunteer Services on (01274) 364309 or 382860.