Siblings Group Volunteer - Gloucester

Who are Acorns Children's Hospice?

A parent never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns Children’s Hospice steps in. Our dedicated teams provide specialist tailored care, including complex medical care, short breaks and emotional and practical support for babies, children and young people and their families, at our three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester as well as in the community. 

Why we need you 

At Acorns we know that children and young people growing up with a poorly brother or sister often have less attention from parents and more worries and responsibilities than their peers. Acorns has a dedicated Sibling Support Team who run Sibling Group sessions to provide fun experiences for young people and allow them to meet others who may be in a similar situation to them. Sibling activities include arts and crafts, games, sporting activities and fun trips out. 

What you'll be doing

• Volunteering alongside our Sibling Support team
• Attending a Sibling Group planning session with our Sibling Support team every couple of months to hear about plans for forthcoming activities.
• Attend a Siblings Group session once a month, joining in with the activities.

Our Sibling Group sessions for the Gloucester area, usually take place at Hartpury Village Hall.  Although you may be asked to join us at our Worcester Hospice for initial training and have the opportunity to visit the hospice again when we have siblings visiting or staying with us.

How much time will it take?

Sibling Volunteers complete our online basic training modules and our in-person sibling training session which together take 4-5 hours to complete. Once trained, volunteering with us is flexible but we ask for a commitment of one Sibling Group session per month and hospice-based sibling volunteering on an adhoc basis. 

Am I right for the role? 

• Be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people and families
• Be a good communicator 
• Enjoy spending time with children, who may have a range of emotional or educational additional needs
• Be warm and friendly 
• Be willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries and safeguarding within Acorns

Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• Make a difference to the work we do and help to improve the lives of families of children with life limiting or life threatening conditions 
• Enable our siblings to enjoy activities together and help them feel they’re not alone
• Connect with like-minded people and make new friends 
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining valuable experience We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards 
• Access to our free online training to support and develop your volunteering 
• Travel expenses available

Volunteers are required to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check, which we will pay for and process for you.