Our Norwegian member Diakonhjemmet has recently launched a volunteer program at the Diakonhjemmet Hospital in Oslo, where people can now use their smartphones to devote their spare time to supporting the work of employees and improving the experience of patients.
Volunteers can assist in general tasks or volunteer for two specific programs: they can either accompany patients to their household from the hospital as part of the “safe home” programme or assist patients at the hospital during moments of distress, providing company and relief.
Volunteers interested in taking part in the project can use a phone app to subscribe to the programmes they would like to volunteer for, which makes it easier to manage and organise their commitment to the hospital’s activities. Participants do not need to be health professionals or social workers as the relevant qualifications are provided by the hospital.
At Eurodiaconia, we think this is a great initiative that reflects our members’ commitment to improving the provision of healthy ageing and care services, and gives people the opportunity to use their spare time for a good cause while learning new skills.
To find out more about the project, please visit Diakonhjemmet’s webpage.