Volunteers

Do something special for kids

The staff and children at The Children's Hospital at Westmead are supported by over 400 enthusiastic and talented volunteers. They contribute in many different ways and are highly valued and appreciated for the positive difference they make to the daily running of the hospital by both children their families and the staff.

There are many different volunteering opportunities which are listed below with contact details of the relevant Volunteer Coordinator.

AWCH Ward Grandparent Scheme

Ward Grandparents play a vital role at the Hospital. For some patients, Ward Grandparents are the main carer when parents are unable to be with them due to geography or other family commitments. They also provide respite to families who need a break from the care of their child. Ward Grandparents work two to three days a week for several hours a day. This program is coordinated by Shannon Tracey. There are currently vacancies for Ward Grandparents who can work three days a week Monday to Friday.

Click here for more information.

Bear Cottage Hospice at Manly

Bear Cottage relies heavily on a fabulous team of volunteers to assist with the smooth day to day running of the house. Volunteers complement the professional staff by providing practical support to our children and families during their stay. The volunteer coordinator is Michelle Pearse. Applications are currently closed. Re-opening 2010.

Family Support Volunteers

Family Support Volunteers work off-site from the hospital visiting families at home. They support families who have children with life limiting illnesses. The volunteer role includes playing with unwell children or their siblings, helping with outings to the shops or park, providing light practical assistance around the house or garden, being a listening ear in a time of need. Family Support volunteers need to have a positive and flexible attitude, be emotionally mature and have openness to diverse cultures, religions and backgrounds.

Volunteers need to be able to commit to up to 4 hours per week preferably on week days between 9-5. It is useful to have a full driving licence and access to a car (petrol costs are reimbursed). We offer comprehensive training and continuing support to all our volunteers. The volunteers are a valued part of the Palliative Care Team and as a team they have been finalists in NSW Health Awards 2011 recognising the innovative way their volunteering makes a positive difference to families at such a difficult time.

Currently we especially need volunteers who are able to visit in the Western suburbs between Blacktown, Erskine Park and the Hills Districts.

Applications are open and a training program planned early February 2012.

Please email Wendy Edmonds wendye@chw.edu.au for further information.

The General Volunteer Program

You can volunteer within the hospital doing various tasks including concierge service, sibling care, working in The Volunteer Shop, toy distribution and clerical assistance. The Volunteer Coordinator for this program Jill Jenkins. Applications are currently closed. Re-opening 2010.

The Carer Support Program

Provides support for carers through the Parent and Carer Resource Centre. Carers are usually the parents of the child but carers can also be grandparents, foster carers and other relatives or friends of the child.

Volunteers in the Carer Support Program are responsible for staffing the Centre. The Centre has been designed by parents for parents and is a non-clinical, homely environment where carers can take a break. We require our volunteers to provide assistance and support to carers of children at the hospital, this includes providing information about appropriate services and support to access them, providing a listening ear, a friendly chat or sometimes just a cup of tea to a stressed or tired carer.

Carer Support Volunteers work solely with carers and parents. Our volunteers do not work with the children in the hospital.

The Carer Support Coordinator is Kelly Bowler.
Applications are currently closed.