Volunteer
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the help of volunteers.
Whether you are looking for a regular volunteering opportunity or just want to help out every once in a while, there are many ways you can support us by giving your time.
Volunteers help in many ways, from staffing our hospital shops, supporting us at our events, distributing and gathering collection cans and helping in the office.
As an ECHC volunteer, you will receive an induction and all necessary training for your role. You will have a named contact in the organisation and be welcomed to volunteer events to meet the wider team and other volunteers. We will also regularly keep you up to date with any new volunteering opportunities, our activities and how your support is making a difference.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept volunteers under the age of 16 unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult and the volunteering role is age appropriate.
Please scroll down to find out about the current volunteering roles we have available.
Children's Wellbeing Team Volunteers
Zoo Volunteer
We are looking for a calm, friendly and approachable volunteer to support our weekly visit from Edinburgh Zoo’s Education Team. This role will involve accompanying the zoo facilitator to visit children and young people on the hospital wards to deliver activities based on a weekly theme (e.g. birds, mammals, fish, reptiles). The volunteer will support with cleaning materials as required, liaising with hospital staff and encouraging children and young people to participate.
You will need excellent communication skills and a willingness to take on a variety of tasks. Click here for the Full Role Profile.
*Sessions currently scheduled for Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30 but may switch to take place on Wednesday afternoons
Wellbeing Team Seasonal Volunteer
During seasonal periods, our extensive participatory arts programme aims to create as many exciting, magical experiences for babies, children and young people as possible. This role supports the amazing artists, performers and practitioners visiting RHCYP wards to deliver activities and performances.
Volunteers will accompany artists during their visit, assisting with cleaning materials as required, liaising with hospital staff and encouraging/supporting participation.
We are looking for volunteers who can provide support during most or all of the following periods: Spring (first two weeks in April), Summer (last week of June & through July), Festival month (Aug), Halloween (last 2 weeks Oct) and Christmas/Winter (December).
Click here for the Full Role Profile with further details of skills and experience we are looking for.
Shop Volunteers
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to help in our shop which serves staff and visitors at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People. No retail experience is necessary as full training will be given, just a friendly attitude and willingness to learn. We are currently looking to fill the following shifts:
- Tuesday 1pm – 5pm (weekly)
- Thursday 9am – 1pm (weekly)
- Sunday 10am – 3.30pm (once per month)
We are ideally looking for volunteers who can cover a shift on a weekly basis, but fortnightly will be considered.
Click here for Full Role Profile.
To apply, please complete the volunteer application form below. Please indicate your availability in relation to the shifts above in your application. Please note these are the only available shifts at present.
Fundraising Volunteers
Our fundraising team are vital to the work of ECHC, raising the funds that allow us to help babies, children and young people in hospital and beyond. We are keen to build and develop our team of volunteers who support our fundraising activities, creating a bank of trained volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks throughout the year.
We have a number of different volunteer roles available to support the team. Most roles involve providing support on an ad hoc basis (depending on the needs and activities of the fundraising team), with a minimum commitment across the year. Once accepted and trained for a role, the bank of volunteers will be contacted when tasks or events are planned and invited to help out.
Please see individual role profiles for more information or get in touch if you want to chat through the requirements of the role.
- Static Can Volunteer
Assisting the fundraising team with picking up and replacing static cans in businesses throughout Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians. We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in Edinburgh City centre/West End and in the Borders.
Full Role Profile - Community Team Events Volunteer
Supporting the community fundraising team with our fantastic calendar of fundraising events throughout the year including bucket collections, bag packs and cheer stations at sporting events.
Full Role Profile - Special Events Volunteer
Assisting the Relationship Fundraising Team at our high-profile special events throughout the year.
Full Role Profile - Fundraising Office Volunteer
Assisting in our Shawfair office during busy periods. Tasks can vary but we are currently particularly seeking volunteers with good IT skills to support updating our database.
Full Role Profile
To apply for any of these roles, please click the button to complete the Volunteer Application form, ensuring you give details of relevant skills or experience for the role(s) applied for in relation to the role profile.
Hospital Volunteering
Please note: the volunteering opportunities we offer are to support the work undertaken and services provided by our charity. Many of our opportunities are NOT based within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
If you are looking to volunteer within the hospital (e.g. ward volunteers), please visit the NHS Lothian volunteering page for more information.