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We don’t promise jobs, but we promise to support your career journey.
What is the Volunteer to Career programme?
The Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) helps people gain experience, confidence and insight into healthcare through volunteering.
It offers guidance, mentoring and career development for those exploring a future in the NHS or health and social care. The programme is not a recruitment scheme or a direct route to employment.
Once you’ve completed 30 hours of volunteering, you can opt into the Volunteer to Career programme for additional support.
You must remain an active CNWL volunteer to continue receiving this career guidance.
Through the programme, you’ll have access to:
Career guidance and mentoring tailored to your goals
CV, Personal Statement and interview support to help you present your experience confidently
Workshops and advice on career pathways within health and social care
Networking opportunities with staff and other volunteers
While volunteering does not guarantee a job, around 71% of our volunteers of our volunteers have gone on to secure roles within the healthcare sector after gaining valuable experience through the programme.
We offer flexible roles across CNWL hospitals and community services, so you can find something that fits your interests and availability.
Hi, I’m Ania, and I lead the Volunteer to Career programme here at CNWL; one of those rare jobs that makes you pinch yourself some days because it’s just that special.
I know what it feels like to be searching for your path trying to figure out where you fit, what you’re good at and whether you’ll ever get there. My own story started with volunteering, when I was still finding my feet and hoping for something more. Bit by bit, it changed everything. I met people who believed in me, found purpose and realised I was stronger than I thought.
Now, I get to help others do the same. I spend my days supporting volunteers, co-creating roles with our CNWL teams and cheering volunteers on as they take their first brave steps into healthcare careers. Watching someone’s confidence grow and seeing that little spark turn into something bright and unstoppable is the best feeling in the world.
Click here to hear about how Ania's experience with her own mental health led her to her current role.
Volunteer to Career stories
Let us introduce you to Stephen his story of rediscovery, of finding himself CNWL volunteering and unlocking the kind of future he never imagined was for “someone like him.”
“At first, I wasn’t even aware of the Volunteer to Career programme,” Stephen admits. “So I was surprised there was an actual path that can take you from volunteering to a permanent role. That pathway is amazing.”
Not long after joining the VtC programme, Milena full of stars in her eyes, big dreams, and an even bigger heart, stepped into our volunteer services as our very first VtC participant.
She came to us full of passion but unsure how to enter a career in mental health.
One year later, she stepped into her first role and today, she’s a fully qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) at CNWL Talking Therapies in
Hillingdon, still growing and thriving.
Follow along as Aysesu walks us through a day in her life - what she does, the people she meets, and the impact that even the smallest interactions can have.
"One of the biggest reasons I keep going is the people. The staff have been so welcoming and inclusive, and I’ve built amazing connections with patients and colleagues. The VtC programme has given me so much, and I want to stay connected because I know I can keep learning, growing, and making a difference."
Julia started volunteering at St Charles Hospital, supporting patients
on a mental health ward. Curious about life after discharge, she moved
to Hathaway House, a community service helping people regain independence.
"Volunteering has completely changed my perspective on mental health.
It has taught me that every person’s experience is unique."
Read Julia's story and her experience, the skills she’s gained, and what’s
made it all worthwhile.
Mohammad
As a Step-Down Volunteer, Mohammad spends time with patients who are preparing to leave inpatient mental healthcare and adjust to a more independent life in the community.
We caught up with him to hear about his experience - the skills he’s learned, the moments that have stuck with him, and what a day in his role actually looks like.
"I’ve learned how to create a space where people feel comfortable opening up,
and instead of assuming what might help."
Lauren is a Step-Down Volunteer, she’s there for patients during an
important transition - from inpatient mental health services to short-term, community-based accommodation.
She plays a key role in making patients feel welcomed, supported, and empowered as they take their next steps. Lauren shares what a typical day looks like:
"I meet new patients regularly, as they stay for a short period, and I love organising
and engaging them in creative activities like decorations, hot chocolate days, and board games to bring everyone together and build a sense of community."
When Sumbal first walked through the doors of Northwick Park Hospital
as an Admin Support Volunteer with CNWL, she wasn’t just looking for a role,
she was chasing a purpose.
Volunteering didn’t just prepare Sumbal for a career, it transformed her as a person.
“I’ve become more empathetic, organised, and confident in handling responsibilities. Professionally, I’ve gained skills in communication, teamwork,
and problem-solving,” she shared.
Meet Miglena! Her journey from community support volunteer to support
worker with Step-Down services is all about creativity, kindness, and connection.
Through the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme, Miglena poured her whole heart, and some serious artistic flair into her volunteer role, making a big
impact along the way and gaining invaluable skills for her future career.
“The activities have been very well-received. During these creative sessions,
we sit together, talk, and listen to music."
Zahra’s journey with the Volunteer to CareerProgramme began like that of anyone searching for their place in the world, full of hopes and a bit of uncertainty.
"The support I received was phenomenal," she shares. "The support they offered, especially in terms of personal statements and development, was a game-changer for me when I started applying for jobs."
Empowering Healthcare transformation at St Charles Mental Health Hospital: The Collaborative Impact of CNWL’s Volunteer to Career Programme.
Nicola Jhumat, the Assistant Director for KCW Urgent Care at St Charles Mental Health Centre writes about the collaborative work she has done with CNWL’s Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme.
