Gaming Volunteers at the Children's Hospital
Could you spend a few hours each week gaming with children in hospital?
Being in hospital can be scary for children and young people. Not only are they unwell, but they can be apart from their friends and family, as well as their familiar surroundings and daily routine.
As a Gaming Volunteer, you will help our patients cope with the worry, anxiety and boredom of a hospital stay through the magic of gaming.
Working closely with the charity and the hospital’s play team, you will be a ‘Gaming Pal’ for patients. You will spend time playing games with patients, helping them pass the time and providing a fun distraction from their condition and the ward.
We are looking for friendly, imaginative gamers who are good with children and young people.
Time Commitment
We ask that volunteers commit to a three-hour shift each week (Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm). The reason for this commitment is that we will undertake training and Disclosure checks for every volunteer. Our patients also benefit from the consistency of having a regular volunteer.
Main Tasks
- Play video games with patients
- Support the Games for the Weans campaign
- Help the charity manage and track gaming inventory
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this position you must:
- Be a knowledgeable gamer with experience of multiple consoles/ platforms
- Be confident and pro-active in interacting with children and young people
- Be able to relate to people in a friendly and calm manner
- Have the ability to empathise and to maintain complete confidentiality
- Be adaptable, flexible and willing to learn
- Be tactful and diplomatic, especially in stressful or emotional situations
- Have a creative spark, confidence and enthusiasm
- Be polite, courteous and reliable
- Be over the age of 18, pass a PVG check and occupational health screening, and supply two satisfactory references
- Follow all current hospital regulations and follow all hand hygiene procedures.
Please note - Gel nails and nail varnish cannot be worn if you are accepted for this ward-based volunteer role. This is due to infection control regulations.
Desirable Requirements
- Volunteering experience
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment and/or with children and young people
- Recognition of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
- Ability to understand when assistance is required or distance is preferred
- Experience of working/volunteering with families and children in a similar context
To Apply
Email steven.mair@gchc.scot with your availability and any relevant information to support your application - such as details of past experience working with children or vulnerable people.
You will then be invited to an information session at the children's hospital. We host these sessions periodically to allow you to see the hospital environment up close and decide if it is right for you.
We're incredibly grateful that our gaming volunteer position is in high demand. Please be aware that due to the limited capacity, it is possible that not everyone who attends the information sessions will be taken on.