Volunteering FAQs

How do I know what roles are available?

Volunteer vacancies are posted on the volunteer page of our website.

What if I can’t see a volunteering opportunity that interests me?

Please keep visiting the website. All new volunteer roles will be advertised here.

How do I apply to become a volunteer?

If you are responding to an advertised volunteering role in one of our shops please contact the shop manager directly to arrange an informal interview.

 For all other volunteer vacancies please e-mail Wendy Bentley our volunteer co-ordinator with the specific details of the role you are interested in.  Also include your name, DOB, contact details and why you consider yourself suitable for the role.

Your interest will be acknowledged and you may then be invited to meet a member of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice team for an informal interview. If you are selected for a volunteer role we will ask you to complete a volunteer form and will take up references.

How much time would I be expected to give?

This depends on the volunteer role you apply for. Each role description gives guidance about the amount of time involved.

What skills do I need?

This varies from one volunteer role to another; please look at the individual role descriptions for more details.

How old do I need to be to become a volunteer?

The minimum age for volunteers is 14. If you are under the age of 18 there is a consent form for your parent/guardian to fill in to give their permission for you to volunteer. We encourage young people to limit their volunteering to a few hours each week.

I have a disability, can I still volunteer?

Many of our volunteer roles are suitable for people with disabilities. Please look at each volunteer role description for more details and feel free to contact us with any specific questions about your suitability for a particular role.

Do I need a C.R.B. check?

For volunteer roles based at the hospice we ask you to complete a C.R.B. (Criminal Records Bureau) form. If this is necessary we will provide you with the form and arrange for the check at no cost to you.

Can I come into the hospice to help to look after the children?

We do have a limited number of volunteers who help us as Family Support Volunteers. They help the Care Team but are never directly involved in medical care. This role attracts a lot of interest and there is a rigorous selection and training process to make sure that we recruit the right people for this demanding role.

Can I come and read to the children?

This is not a specific volunteer role. Family Support Volunteers are often involved in reading to children.

What sort of training and support will I be offered?

All new volunteers are invited to an induction day. This will help you to find out more about the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and to cover some general training needs. “On the job” training will then follow as you take on your volunteer role.

Can I still claim benefits while I am volunteering?

Generally yes. Please visit the Volunteering England website at www.volunteering.org.uk for up to date guidance.