Be involved
NHR is a longstanding successful hospital radio service. The Station now broadcasts to six hospitals across Northumberland and North Tyneside.
Our volunteers take pride in the station and the studio facilities, which have taken time and effort to achieve. The emphasis is on team work and "service before self". Considerable effort goes on behind the scenes to keep NHR running and moving forward.
It is recognised that hospital radio contributes to a positive patient experience which is why we put quality at the heart of the station's programming. Patients have described NHR's service as "slick and professional".
We recognise your free time is valuable and that you have a wide choice when deciding which organisation to contribute to. At NHR, we are all volunteers - there are no paid employees of the Charity and as such we never ask our team to raise funds to pay for the salaries of a few. However, as it's a team effort, we do expect all our volunteers to contribute to a handful of fundraising events every year to help maintain the high standard of facilities and broadcasting operations.
NHR recruits presenters, rather than DJs. In order to run an effective hospital radio service, the Charity also needs ward visitors, technical assistants, record librarians, outside events assistants and fundraisers. There are many opportunities which do not involve speaking on air and which do not involve a regular, weekly, commitment. One of the benefits of our modern computer-based playout system is that volunteers can contribute to the service even if they are only able to visit the studios infrequently.
If you feel you would enjoy working in a professional studio environment with access to possibly the best voluntary sector radio facilities in the County - NHR could be for you. People who are willing to learn and become part of the regular team are always welcome.
All our live programmes are request shows for patients and staff. In addition to these shows, our presenters record information sequences (such as our "What's On" service) which are then broadcast throughout the day.
We encourage presenters to produce quality pre-recorded programmes for broadcast at various times throughout the week. We are particularly looking for people with clear voices who can read stories, poems, events details and other information to expand NHR's speech content.
NHR's output includes the best of award-winning hospital radio programmes. The emphasis is very much on quality and high production values, which is why single-presenter shows are always pre-recorded. This allows NHR to build up a "bank" of programmes, so that the service is unaffected by family and work commitments, illness and holidays.
Please remember that presenting is only one of a number of roles at NHR. Whether you are able to make a weekly commitment or perhaps just give a few hours occasionally, you will be made very welcome.
Regular Voluntary Work (Aged 18+):
All recruitment is carried out through Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's HVS (Hospital Voluntary Service). You will be required to attend an interview during working hours - and if successful - will then be required to attend an induction session, usually held at North Tyneside General Hospital. Successful clearance through DBS (enhanced disclosure) is a mandatory requirement of Northumbria Healthcare, regardless of whether an individual has gone through the same clearance with another organisation.
It is recommended that prospective volunteers contact NHR in the first instance to discuss current opportunities with the Charity.
Remember that NHR broadcasts to hospital patients, some of whom are seriously ill. If you wish to present, please consider the audience when thinking about whether your style of presentation, voice and interest in music, would be suitable for a hospital radio service.
Under 18s:
Owing to insurance restrictions and having undertaken risk assessment, NHR does not work with persons under the age of 18. Please do not ask us to waive this restriction, even on a short-term basis. We regret the Charity is unable to offer short-term work experience opportunities, as this would still involve students going through the same recruitment process and DBS clearance as regular volunteers, which can take some time.
Please note:
NHR's studios are based at Wansbeck General Hospital in Ashington. The Charity does not have studio facilities at any other hospital. If you are interested in joining hospital radio as a regular volunteer we suggest you contact the hospital radio service with studios closest to where you live, which will make travelling to the studio - particularly in winter months - easier.
