At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a welcoming space for children at St Michael’s Hospice and support families during tough times.
- Company: St Michael’s Hospice, dedicated to providing compassionate care.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact in the community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, minimum 2 hours per week, perfect for students looking to give back.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and help create joyful moments for families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is a plus, but passion and empathy are key.
The predicted salary is between 13500 - 16500 £ per year.
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
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
- 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
Child-Friendly Recreation Volunteer at Hospice employer: St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother
As a Community Impact Volunteer, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals in your local area. Our flexible work culture allows you to choose shifts that fit your schedule, while our supportive environment fosters personal growth and development. Join us in making a real difference, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child-Friendly Recreation Volunteer at Hospice
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Child-Friendly Recreation Volunteer at Hospice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of St Michael's Hospice Hastings and Rother and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
