Spotlight on Volunteering with Radio Lollipop

Radio Lollipop is an independent charity offering a radio and play service just for kids in hospital. The charity is UK wide and has been operating in Birmingham Children’s Hospital since 1981, working from its radio studio and with children at the bedside.

Our Volunteers

Radio Lollipop is entirely run by volunteers which makes them the beating heart of the charity. They spend time with the children, support their families, run the radio shows, manage the local team and get involved in fundraising.

Volunteers are supported by a Trustee, on the Radio Lollipop Board, also a voluntary body. All Radio Lollipop teams act as one big family supporting each other, at every level across the organisation. Muhammed who is new to the team said, “it is so rewarding, and such a good experience and I would recommend it to others”.

What does Radio Lollipop do?

Volunteers take the fun and laughter to the bedside. They visit in the evenings, when the children are bored and use play sessions to improve well-being and bring some normality to the children – all children, however poorly, still have a need to play. It is magical to see the children absorbed in the activities. Children get involved in games, craft, art, balloons, bubbles, stories, music and much more – it is always their choice. It doesn’t matter whether the child is the patient or a visiting sibling or friend, they can all get involved and nobody is left out. Our volunteers are creative, imaginative and big kids at heart! Lauren shared a wow moment from her last session. “Walter’s Mum said he couldn’t move his hands or arms a couple of days before and was amazed he was picking up gems and stickies to make a picture. It was so good to see”.

Alongside all this, Radio Lollipop presents a live show from the studio in the hospital, it is for children by children. The children love engaging with the radio as it is different. They can choose the songs and listen for shout-outs. When the children feel brave enough to come to the studio they can put the headphones on and act as presenter for the evening. The children are always excited to see the red and white t-shirts; Sophie ran the length of the ward when she saw the volunteers at the door, shouting her radio request before she got to them.

The volunteers also support parents. Daisy’s mum was delighted when the volunteers arrived as she had been waiting to go and buy herself some food. She left Daisy happily making bracelets. The staff also appreciate the volunteers and will direct them to a particular child who needs distracting or cheering up. One staff member said: “Alfie and Muhammed were the happiest they have been for a while after the volunteers had finished a play session with them”.

Interested in volunteering?

Radio Lollipop provides a wealth of opportunities in a supportive and friendly environment Volunteers join the team for all sorts of reasons bringing with them a unique set of skills and experience, which they can use. Volunteers also find they learn from the children and each other. One volunteer said: “Following retirement I wanted to meet new people of all ages and Radio Lollipop has been brilliant, particularly as I get the opportunity to work with younger people and use the skills I developed at work”. If you are interested in volunteering with Radio Lollipop contact us in Birmingham through the website: www.radiolollipop.org