Volunteer
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the help of volunteers.
Whether you’re looking for a regular volunteering opportunity or just want to help out every once in a while, there are so many ways you can support us by giving your time.
Volunteering with ECHC
ECHC volunteers get stuck in everywhere – from running our hospital shop and helping at events, to collecting cans and lending a hand in the office.
When you join us, we’ll make sure you feel right at home. You’ll receive an induction, any training you need, a named contact for support, and regular updates on the impact you’re helping to make.
Most of our roles are for volunteers aged 16+, but younger superstars can help at some fundraising events when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Ready to get involved? Scroll down to see our current opportunities.
Equal opportunities & access needs
We want everyone to feel welcome at ECHC. We warmly encourage applications from people with experience of disability and neurodivergence, and from ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA+ communities.
We design our roles with accessibility in mind. If you’re invited to interview, we’ll chat through any access needs together and explore the role that might suit you best. While we can’t promise a perfect fit for every situation, we’re committed to continually improving accessibility. All disabled applicants who meet the role criteria will be interviewed.
Volunteer Opportunities
Have a browse through our main volunteering roles below to find your perfect match. We sometimes recruit for specialist or office support roles as well. Any new opportunities will be posted under Current Opportunities.
Fundraising Events Volunteers
From high-fiving runners and rattling buckets like a pro, to packing bags at lightning speed and getting stuck in at family fun days, our Fundraising Events volunteers are the friendly faces that make it all happen.
Location: Various around Edinburgh
Commitment: Ad hoc, often evenings or weekends
Click here for full details
Shop/Shop Trolley Volunteers
From serving in our hospital shop to delivering treats and essentials on the ward trolley, you’ll help bring a welcome pick-me-up to young patients, families and staff when they need it most.
Location: Edinburgh Children’s Hospital
Commitment: 2-4 hours per week
Click here for full details
Children’s Wellbeing Volunteers
Be part of the team supporting children and families through their hospital stay. You might be on tea duty, deep in a board game showdown, having a quiet chat with a parent, or helping keep our spaces feeling bright and friendly – no two days are ever quite the same!
Location: Edinburgh Children’s Hospital – ECHC Hub and wards
Commitment: 3-4 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Click here for full details
Current Opportunities
Office Volunteer - Children's Wellbeing Team
We are seeking an enthusiastic and friendly individual with great administration skills to support our Children’s Wellbeing team with their office tasks. You will be based in our charity offices within the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh.
Commitment: Around one day per month, for a minimum of six months
Closing date: Sunday 12th April, 5pm
Click here to view our full Volunteer Role Profile.
Sound like you? Apply below!
Hospital Volunteering
Please note: the volunteering opportunities we offer are to support the work undertaken and services provided by our charity. Our opportunities are NOT all 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.
