Request for volunteers to support patients and families who visit Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin Hospital each day

Did you know there are over 325,000 hospital visits by children and their families from all over Ireland each year? 

For a child and their family these visits can be stressful, due to having to travel long distances, challenges with car parking and worry about finding their way to their appointment.

To support these patients and their families, Children in Hospital Ireland are looking to expand their team of “Just Ask” volunteers who provide a much-needed service of providing a friendly welcome when families arrive at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.

The volunteers accompany families to their appointment and provide information and practical help such as where to find a coffee shop, baby changing facilities, or an ATM.

The “JustAsk” volunteers also provide play activities for children waiting in the Outpatient department and Emergency department.

Since this service has been established, there has been a notable difference in the reduction of stress levels for families who have availed of the service and the feedback from hospital staff and families has been very positive.

Parent waiting for appointment in Outpatients Department “My children were at their yearly appointment, when the appointment became too much for my children, my husband took them for a walk around the hospital to try relieve everybody’s stress.

Luckily, they came across a lovely volunteer from CIH in the outpatient waiting area who put both of my children at ease by doing puzzles with them.

“It was so lovely and really helped my stress levels also.”

CIH CEO Anna Gunning said, “This is a vital service which CIH provides at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and we are looking to expand the team to meet the increased demand.

“The role is suitable for those who enjoy helping people and engaging with children in a busy hospital setting.”

This volunteer role will appeal to people who are energetic, pro-active, and approachable, friendly enjoy engaging with children, can work as part of a team, and are comfortable in a busy, sensitive and diverse environment.

Volunteers are needed in the morning from 9 am – 11 am and the afternoon from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm approximately, can commit to one shift a week for one year.

If you are interested in learning more about this JustAsk volunteer role with CIH please email [email protected] or for further information visit their website at https://childreninhospital.ie