About the role

What will I be doing?

As a Children's Hospital Host Volunteer, you will improve the experience of children and families visiting our hospitals by ensuring they have a welcoming, supportive and friendly first point of contact. By giving your time and showing kindness you can help to support this important aspect of patient care.

Some of the main activities of the role include:

• Welcoming and reassuring patients and visitors arriving at the department
• Helping patients check in for their appointments
• Engaging with patients and visitors while they are waiting for their appointments
• Supporting the play specialist with setting up and dismantling or tidying activities for patients
• Reporting any issues or feedback as required to staff
• Supporting other tasks for the department, as requested by staff

What skills will I need?

We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and passionate about supporting patients and staff at our hospitals. You’ll also find the following skills and qualities are particularly useful in this role:

• A friendly, positive and approachable manner
• Knowledge of the hospital layout or an interest to learn
• Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
• Working well within a diverse team
• Ability to follow instructions and be flexible
• Acting on your own initiative within set boundaries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time

What support will I get?

This fun and fulfilling volunteer role will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients during their time in hospital as well as developing your own skills.

At every step we’ll provide lots of support to help you in your volunteer role. You’ll have a member of hospital staff as your main contact as well as extra support from the volunteering team at your hospital. We’ll give you the chance to take part in additional training to further develop your skills and we’ll say thank you for all your fantastic efforts through our volunteering awards and regular newsletter. We’ll also reimburse you for your travel and food and drink costs during your volunteer shift.

How to apply

Before you can start volunteering with us, there are a few important steps.
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.

One more thing to remember. You’ll need to complete a DBS check to volunteer with us. Click the button below to find all the information you need.

When you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to get started.