We have volunteering opportunities 7 days a week, so, if you are over 18 and free for a minimum of 2 hours every week, why not become a volunteer? We currently have volunteering opportunities in the following areas:
Fruit, Family Council, Sick Kids Friends Foundation, WRVS, Radio Lollipop
There are opportunities elsewhere in Children's Services where volunteers are very welcome - just get in touch:
Denise Claxton
Voluntary Services Co-ordinator
Royal Hospital for Sick Children
Tel (0131) 536 0068
Or use our contact form
Volunteers currently assist in the following areas:
Friends' Office
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation raises money for the benefit of children attending the hospital. Volunteers support that work by assisting with both fundraising and administrative work in the office. Opportunities for volunteers to assist cover a wide range of activities from participating in fundraising events, counting cash, recording donations and information to preparation of fundraising materials and dealing with queries from the public. This opportunity will appeal to those who like varied work within a small, but lively, friendly team.
Friends' Shop
The hospital shop is run by volunteers on behalf of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation. It provides a valuable service to patients, families, visitors and staff. If you enjoy meeting lots of people, assisting the public and like the idea of an involvement in a shop, then this could be the opportunity for you.
If you would like to help children at the hospital by joining our friendly team please contact Frances on (0131) 536 0786 or use our contact form above.
Guides
The Volunteer Guide Service operates within the hospital to assist families find their way around the mixture of old and new buildings . The service is much appreciated by parents and staff. Guides are located within the Out Patients Department and at the Family Support and Information Desk.
Play Service
Playing is an essential characteristic of healthy childhood and play in hospital is a normalising experience. Play volunteers usually support a ward Play Leader in ensuring children's recreational needs are met. They contribute to creating a warm and homely environment for the children.
Readers
Reading and sharing books is not only vital to the development of literacy skills but can also be great fun and a rewarding experience. In hospital, books not only facilitate learning but can encourage relaxation. The library trolley is taken around the wards by volunteers who issue and collect books from patients.
Readers visit children on the wards to tell stories, this is an extremely beneficial service to 'bed-bound' patients. Such visits can also provide parents with a much needed break from caring for their sick child.
Befriending
Some children (and volunteers too) enjoy a regular one-to-one visit. Befrienders are particularly appreciated in the Respite and Residential area.
Radio Lollipop
Through play and entertainment both on the wards and on air, Radio Lollipop is an important part in the lives of many children during their stay in hospital. Children link in to the radio station for games, activities, music and fun.
W.R.V.S.
The W.R.V.S. Cafeteria is there to provide a welcome cup of tea or coffee along with a selection of rolls, sandwiches, etc. It is situated beside the Children's Play Area where parents can enjoy refreshments whilst the children play. It calls for hard work but is very rewarding and the service is much appreciated by patients, staff and visitors alike.
New Volunteering Opportunities!
Do you fancy making fruit kebabs, fruit forest or a fruit flower? We are looking for people who would love the opportunity to promote healthy eating within Sick Kids. Your help would really make a difference to the children.
Volunteers would come to a ward in pairs in the early afternoon, to cut up and prepare the fruit. The idea is to get children into eating fruit and to see that it is something pleasant and fun, not something they feel they have to eat!! Be as creative as you want to be! This service operates 7 days a week.
For more information, please call Denise Claxton on 0131 536 0068.
Family Council
The Family Council is made up of staff from various departments within our hospital and parents who volunteer their time and practical skills. We all meet once a month to support the management team in the delivery and development of services for children.
Working in partnership, our main aim is to influence the design and development of patient services, making sure that the views of the children and families are taken into consideration particularly where changes are being planned.
If you would like information on how YOU can help please contact the Royal Hospital for Sick Children's Voluntary Services Co-ordinator on 0131 536 0068.
