VOLUNTEERS from all religions are being sought to help bring a listening ear and a kindly word into the lives of hospital patients in Bradford.

The chaplaincy service at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, which caters for people of different faiths and those of no faith, wants to expand its reach.

It currently has 60 volunteers, but is keen to recruit even more.

Mohammed Arshad, head of chaplaincy, said: “The Trust employs seven chaplains who represent all major religions in the city, but we also need an enthusiastic team of volunteer visitors who can supplement our staff’s work in providing spiritual healthcare.

“Chaplaincy volunteers carry out visits to our hospital patients for at least two-to-three hours every week, providing a listening ear to show support and encouragement to the patient.”

“This support and enhancement of our compassionate care ethos helps to enhance the patient experience here at our Trust and for many patients is a vital source of comfort during their stay.”

To become a volunteer you need to be aged 17-years-old and over, and be able to commit at least two-to-three hours every week to the hospitals.

Hospital chaplain Maryam Riaz said volunteers would receive essential training to ensure they could meet the demands of the role.

He said: “The chaplains deliver a thorough training programme to equip potential volunteers with the essential skills that are required for visiting patients. This includes how to provide general support to patients in a variety of situations during their hospital stay, understanding religion and spirituality from different faiths, vital listening skills and an introduction to providing bereavement support.”

Previous chaplaincy volunteers have won awards in recognition for the dedication, commitment and kindness they have shown across the Foundation Trust’s hospitals.

Terry Kershaw, from Bankfoot in Bradford, came third in the Foundation Trust’s Volunteer of the Year awards last year after being nominated for his work by staff on Ward 26 of Bradford Royal Infirmary.

In 2013, chaplaincy visitor Mary Gilmartin won second prize at the annual ceremony.

Anyone interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer should contact Dawn Arnison on 01274-365819 or email dawn.arnison@bthft.nhs.uk. The Foundation Trust is now interviewing prospective candidates in advance of the four-day induction course for new chaplaincy volunteers on October 5 to October 8, from 9.30am to 4pm, at St Luke’s Hospital.