{
  "abstract": "Background We are proud to be the first hospice in Scotland to participate in the Volunteer to Career TM programme from Helpforce, in partnership with Hospice UK.Statistically, Greenock is the most deprived area of Scotland which has a knock-on-effect on educational attainment, school leaver destinations and employment. Our project offered an opportunity for members of our local community to gain first-hand experience of the role of a Healthcare Assistant – experience that is not formally offered elsewhere.Currently, just under half (44%) of our clinical staff are over age 55. We anticipate gaps in our workforce but are hopeful that Volunteer to Career could bridge this.Aims To offer a non-traditional route into healthcare for those who are statistically less likely to have obtained formal school qualifications. Create a symbiotic relationship between staff and volunteers – transferring skills and knowledge from experienced employees to future employees which will ultimately reduce the likelihood of a ‘knowledge gap’. Apply a multidisciplinary team approach to Volunteer to Career – involving a wide range of staff. Improve the perception of the benefits of volunteering throughout the organisation.Method Qualitative and quantitative data were collected throughout the Volunteer to Career project. Volunteers completed practical placements in our inpatient unit and theory modules to support their practice. Volunteers were supported to gain further education, training or employment – adapting to their individual needs.Results Seven volunteers have taken part in our Volunteer to Career programme. The depth of volunteer knowledge, skills and confidence improved after the completion of theory modules and their practical placements. This is evident through interviews, surveys and reflective journals.Conclusion Our Volunteer to Career programme has provided strong foundations for volunteers’ future careers in healthcare – practical skills, knowledge and recruitment support. Multi-disciplinary working and organisational buy-in was crucial in allowing this first of its kind opportunity to succeed.This project was funded by a grant from the Rank Foundation managed by Hospice UK.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ardgowan Hospice, Greenock, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Afton Fotheringham"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ardgowan Hospice, Greenock, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Pauline McIntyre"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ardgowan Hospice, Greenock, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Amy Brown"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-234 The first unique ‘try before you buy’ experience in Scotland (’volunteer to career’)",
  "uid": "375326f0-24aa-535e-b913-a6fc5c96c8f9"
}