About Children in Hospital Ireland
Children in Hospital Ireland (CIH) is a charitable organisation founded in 1970 by a group of parents who had experience of hospitalised children. They were inspired to make a difference for children and families in hospital and ensure that all children were card for appropriately and with respect.
Since its inception, the organisation has played a major role in initiating progressive development in how children are cared for in a hospital environment. CIH have contributed to the creation of playrooms and play areas in many Irish hospitals, and actively advocates to make hospital a happier place for sick children.
What's Involved
Children in Hospital Ireland are are looking for a diverse team of volunteers to support play in children's hospitals, wards, out patient departments and A&E's in:
- Sligo – respond before October 16th
- Waterford – Respond before October 22nd
- Kilkenny – respond before November 5th
What's involved?
As a Play Volunteer, your role is to support child led play activities and create a play environment for children during their time in hospital.
You will work as a part of a pair or a team of volunteers, and will have the guidance of the play specialists or nursing staff of the hospital whenever possible.
Volunteers will:
- Support play with children of a variety of ages and abilities in the playroom, bedside, or waiting areas
- Facilitate play for children to help maintain a positive experience of hospital for the child and family
- Offer families a chance to take a break where possible and required
- Help to maintain the toys and play materials in good condition
Each day will vary for the volunteer as the children in hospital themselves and the needs of the families vary. Some days may be very busy, but are as valued as those where you support the play of 1 child.
Find out more information on:
on our website
To Begin Volunteering:
- Register through I-Vol and your local volunteer centre will send your details to us
- You can then register with Children in Hospital Ireland for your local information evening this autumn
- Attend the Information and Interview evening to beginning your application
What's required for this position
Volunteers should
Enjoy engaging in play with children
Be comfortable in a hospital setting
Have good communication skills for children and families in particular
Be reliable and consistent
CHI welcomes a diversity of volunteers, no prior experience needed, 18 and over.
CHI Will Provide Support Through:
Information, training and support necessary to confidently take up the volunteer role
Ongoing support from the CHI Volunteer Manager
Support of the larger volunteer team and team leader
Ongoing training and learning opportunities
A Welcome Pack including volunteer uniform and manual
Commitment
Volunteers are asked to give 2 hours once a week and be available for at least 1 year, on a regular shift.
Opportunities are typically 10am-12, 2-4pm, 6-8pm, with time varying slightly by hospital, weekdays and weekends
Volunteers must complete the full training and application process before they can begin their volunteer placement
General skills areas include:
- Community Development/ Social work
- Education/ Training
- Hospitality/ Befriending
- Multi-lingual/ Multi-culturalism
- Personable Skills
- Youth/ Childcare
Level of English required for this role:
Intermediate English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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| Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 2hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Multiple Hospital Locations. Days and Hours available will vary by hospital, contact info@childreninhospital.ie for more details.
Other location details:
Volunteering Opportunities are currently available in:
Cork University Hospital
University Hospital Limerick
Sligo University Hospital
University Hospital Waterford
St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny
Also available in these counties
Kilkenny, Waterford
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Initial induction and training
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Volunteers with Children in Hospital Ireland will work with other local volunteers, have fun playing with children, have ongoing training opportunities and be invited to team meetings, AGMs, lectures and appreciation events.
