Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Volunteer Activity Assistant - Music focus

The closing date is 08 August 2025

Job summary

About Franklyn Hospital

Belvedere is an acute assessment and treatment ward for older people with mental health needs- in most cases this is some form of dementia

Main Purpose

To complement the range of existing creative therapeutic opportunities for patients by offering opportunities to engage with music, either in a group or 1:1

To enhance peoples inpatient experience and contribute to their well-being

You are welcome to arrange an informal visit by prior arrangement before submitting an application

Additional information

You must be 18 or over

Days/times are negotiable

To complete all relevant checks before commencing the role including references and DBS

All volunteers are required to complete the Trusts Induction, mandatory and statutory training and relevant refreshers thereafter, along with any other relevant training that is required for the role

An opportunity to participate in CPD & Career development activities where appropriate

A range of well-being offers and NHs discounts available

To adhere to the data protection and confidentiality agreement

Reimbursement of travel expenses (subject to our policy)

Main duties of the job

Key tasks

Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

To offer feedback to staff following sessions

What we are looking for

You will be volunteering on a ward alongside staff to support them with improving the patient experience through engagement with music

You will need good interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in people. Some patients may have difficulty communicating verbally or may be non-verbal; some may be distressed

Having a flexible approach, being non-judgmental, patient and compassionate are key qualities as you will be working with people who may be acutely unwell

The pressures on the wards mean that staff are very busy; therefore, you may need to be proactive and assertive in seeking support and direction from staff

Confidentiality is essential and we ask volunteers to be part of the team and be discreet and reliable

It is important for volunteers to know their boundaries and seek further information and support from ward staff if required

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.

The Trust recognises the important role volunteers play in complementing the work of our staff and we welcome the varied and unique contributions volunteers make to patients, carers, the public, and staff at the Trust.

We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.

Date posted

25 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Voluntary

Duration

1 days

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0581

Job locations

Franklyn hospital

Franklyn Drive

Exeter

Devon

EX2 9HS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key tasks

Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

To offer feedback to staff following sessions

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key tasks

Prior to each session, to discuss with the ward team which patients may be appropriate for therapeutic engagement on the day, and any risks etc

To create a welcoming, open space in which participants feel safe and confident to get involved, but without pressure to participate

To assist in preparing a suitable physical environment for therapy to take place

To offer feedback to staff following sessions

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Skills & Qualities
Excellent communication skills engaging with patients and staff in a friendly, respectful manner.
Empathy and compassion understanding the emotional needs of patients.
Reliability and time management being punctual and consistent with visits.
Discretion and confidentiality respecting patient privacy.
Confidence in musical ability playing an instrument or singing in a way that is engaging and soothing.
Experience
No formal qualifications required.
Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

Desirable

Experience playing music in community or care settings is helpful.
Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Skills & Qualities
Excellent communication skills engaging with patients and staff in a friendly, respectful manner.
Empathy and compassion understanding the emotional needs of patients.
Reliability and time management being punctual and consistent with visits.
Discretion and confidentiality respecting patient privacy.
Confidence in musical ability playing an instrument or singing in a way that is engaging and soothing.
Experience
No formal qualifications required.
Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

Desirable

Experience playing music in community or care settings is helpful.
Must be comfortable performing in front of small groups (e.g., on a ward).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.