Befriender Volunteer ( Three Counties Hospice)

Who we are
At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we support babies, children and young people with life limiting or life threatening conditions, providing specialist care and emotional support for families across our hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Why we need you
When children visit Acorns for day care or short breaks, they enjoy a range of fun, inclusive activities. Our Befriending Volunteers help create these positive experiences, supporting staff to deliver engaging play sessions and memorable moments for every child.

What you’ll do

• Support children to play, explore and have fun – from sensory and music sessions to arts, crafts and stories.
• Help staff set up and tidy away activities.
• Chat and interact with children, families, staff and fellow volunteers.

About you

• Aged 17+
• Warm, friendly and reliable
• Comfortable around children with complex disabilities or receiving end-of-life care
• Good communicator and team player
• Respectful of confidentiality and boundaries
• Willing to complete training and ask for support when needed

Why volunteer with us

• Make a real difference to children and families
• Meet new people and learn new skills
• Gain valuable experience and a reference
• Enjoy social events and volunteer recognition
• Access free online training and travel expenses

Time commitment

• Ideally one year, volunteering weekly if possible
• Two-hour sessions between 10.30am–7pm (limited weekend opportunities)
• Complete online training (1–2 hrs) and a Saturday group session (approx. 9.45am–3.15pm)
• Enhanced DBS check provided by Acorns