Volunteer Employability Programme: New horizons for job seekers
Volunteer Employability Programme: New horizons for job seekers
18 February 2025
Since the project started in September 2023, 117 participants have taken part. So far, 75 participants have been supported into paid employment, including a variety of roles across the NHS such as healthcare science assistants, assistant psychologists and therapy technicians, as well as administrative roles.
Philip took part in the programme after taking a break from work for several years following a stroke.
He said: “Nearly six years ago now, I had a massive stroke and heart failure. I was very fit, I worked for British Airways for 20 years and I lost everything. My life changed overnight.
“I was in hospital in Charing Cross, in the stroke unit. The hospital was so good to me, that I felt I would like to give something back.
Above: Former Employability Volunteer, Philip
“I wasn’t sure what the programme was going to be like, but it turned out to be brilliant. I hadn’t had to look for a job in over 20 years and the whole way of applying for a job is different now. I was completely lost.
“I liked the way Maryam targeted the volunteering programme specifically to what each of us needed. She pointed me in exactly the right direction. How to do my CV to show what the NHS looks for in applications.
“As an older person coming into a completely new environment, it’s fantastic.”
Since taking part in the programme, Philip has started working as a Healthcare Support Worker on Lillian Holland ward at St Mary’s Hospital.
Yukie also took part in the programme and has recently started a Healthcare Support Worker role in the operating theatre at St Mary’s Hospital.
Above: Former Employability Volunteer, Yukie
Before the course, Yukie was a phlebotomy trainee looking to find work in the NHS after a series
of tricky years managing her own and a family member’s health issues.
She said: “The last few years were tough for me. My husband and I were looking after his mother who had secondary breast cancer. It was hard and we didn’t know what to do.
“Exactly one year after she passed away I was diagnosed with early cancer and that hit me really badly. It wasn’t like my mother-in-law’s stage, but still, I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do and there were so many things I couldn’t figure out all by myself.
“Last year I spent the whole year visiting the hospital. I lost my confidence and I wasn’t happy. My family was really worried about me and I felt bad for my husband and my daughter.
“I had an unbelievable medical team that supported me. I never felt isolated and this April my consultant discharged me.”
"This is 110% a positive programme, and every step of my journey with Maryam is something I will treasure."
Yukie, former Employability Volunteer
In July last year, Yukie visited St Mary’s Hospital to find out how to get a role in phlebotomy. After a conversation with a member of the outpatients team, she was encouraged to sign up for volunteering.
Yukie said: “Since July last year, my life has changed completely. Where I am now is more than
I expected, wearing scrubs, and working in the operating theatres, it’s unbelievable.
“This is 110% a positive programme, and every step of my journey with Maryam is something I will treasure. It’s all simple things like how to write an application, but Maryam taught me what to do and guided me through to the end. I was so nervous emotionally, but everything I did, Maryam just
backed me up.
“I cried when I got this job. I didn’t expect it and I was really, really happy. There are so many things I have to learn, but I know that the knowledge and experiences this programme has given me have made me much more confident.
“Getting this job has improved my confidence. I enjoy being in different situations with different people. Every day you can learn something new.”
Do you want to pursue a career in healthcare? Find out more about our Volunteer Employability Programme and apply for our next cohort.
