Play volunteers sought for hospital

DO you have two to three hours to spare in the afternoons? Would you like to make hospital a happier place for a child?

If you would like to volunteer at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar, Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) would love to hear from you.

CHI is one of Ireland’s leading children’s charities, providing play and fun for sick children in hospital around the country for almost 50 years.

They are holding an information and interview evening on Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. in Castlebar. Successful candidates will then be invited to attend a training session to be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also in Castlebar.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with CHI, please RSVP to info@childreninhospital.ie or call (01) 2903510, or visit www.childreninhospital.ie/volunteers. CHI ask that you do not contact the hospital directly.

Hospitalisation can be a very stressful experience for both children and parents. Play helps to alleviate some of that trauma.

Simple play activities introduce a reassuring normality to a strange hospital environment. It is a natural part of a child’s life and aids recovery. It also helps the child to build relationships and make new friends, and above all brings fun into the child’s life.

Volunteers must be over 18 years of age, enthusiastic, caring, reliable and have two to three hours per week to spare and be prepared to sign up for a year. All volunteers will undergo garda vetting/police clearance. A comprehensive training programme will be provided for volunteers, as well as ongoing support.