Children’s Recreation Volunteer Opportunity

Help us create a welcoming, child‑friendly space for families visiting St Michael’s Hospice.

We are looking for a Children’s Recreation Volunteer to support our Social Work and Wellbeing teams by helping maintain a safe, engaging and inclusive area for children in our hospice reception and family spaces. Your contribution will help ensure children and families feel supported, valued and thought about during what can be an emotionally challenging time.

About the Role

The Social Work team supports patients, families and members of the wider community who attend the hospice or our events. As a Children’s Recreation Volunteer, you’ll help create and maintain a calm, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable when visiting.

You will focus on keeping the space tidy, well‑stocked and thoughtfully presented, with activities and materials suitable for a wide range of ages, cultures and faiths. While you won’t be expected to provide childcare or have direct responsibility for children, children may be present while you are volunteering.

Location

St Michael’s Hospice

Availability

• Days: Monday–Friday (flexible)
• Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per week

Applicants must be aged 18 or over to apply for this role.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting with creating and maintaining a child‑friendly area in the hospice reception
• Keeping the space tidy, safe and well organised
• Stocking colouring materials and activity resources, including seasonal and multi‑faith materials
• Carrying out weekly checks of toys, books and dressing‑up items to ensure they are safe and in good condition
• Notifying the Social Work team when items are damaged or need replacing
• Liaising with the Distribution Centre to request appropriate items
• Helping prepare children’s visiting packs, following guidance from the Social Work team
• Letting staff know when stock is running low
• Flagging any concerns to the appropriate teams

Skills & Experience

• Experience of working or volunteering with children is helpful but not essential
• Awareness of age‑appropriate toys and activities (desirable)
• Good communication skills and ability to liaise with different teams
• An eye for presentation and creating visually appealing displays
• Basic IT skills (desirable)
• Awareness of health and safety

Personal Qualities

• Imaginative and creative
• Empathetic and sensitive to the needs of families and children
• Respectful of diversity and inclusive in approach
• Self‑motivated and able to work independently
• Willing to learn and attend training as required
• Understanding of boundaries within a hospice environment

Interested in joining us?

If you’d like to use your creativity to help make the hospice a more welcoming place for children and families, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of a compassionate team making a real difference.