Here you'll find the answers to some of the questions we get asked most about volunteering. If you do have another question, please don't hesitate to get in touch either by emailing charity.office@mft.nhs.uk or calling us on 0161 276 4522

What type of volunteering opportunities do you offer?

The volunteering roles are varied ranging from office administration to logistical help at events.

Examples of volunteer opportunities are:

• Administration – this can involve anything from stuffing envelopes for a mail-out, researching community groups and companies for market research to assisting with telephone calls and ring rounds.
• Event support – we often need help at our events to help things run smoothly and to make them as successful as possible. The event volunteering role varies depending on the type of event, but we generally require support setting up the event and taking care of attending supporters or participants.
• Collectors – we sometimes need volunteers to collect at football grounds or city/town centre-based street collections. These opportunities are a great fun and allow you to meet a wide variety of people.
• Poster placing – we often need people to place posters that promote our events and the work of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity. This would involve putting posters up around where you live to help generate awareness in local communities.
• Mascot duty – we need a small, reliable bank of regular volunteers to dress up as our big green bear, Humphrey. We like to take Humphrey to presentations and events and needs people to play the role of Humphrey on these occasions.

What skills and experience do I need?

Most of our volunteer opportunities do not require you to have any experience or specialist skill. We will provide all the training and information you need.

How much time do I have to volunteer for?

Most of our volunteering opportunities are for short-term or one-off events rather than long and on-going placements. Volunteering is flexible and you can state the type of activities you are interested in and hours that you are available on the registration form.

Will I have to be interviewed?

The majority of our volunteering opportunities do not require a formal interview. We will ask you to complete a volunteer registration form, so that we can offer you a suitable opportunity. For some roles we may need to meet you for an informal chat.

Can I volunteer within the hospital?

Yes, you can volunteer in the hospital but this is not something that the Charity organises. You will need to contact the Trust’s main switchboard (0161 276 1234) and ask for the Volunteering Coordinator.

Will I get my expenses paid?

Our volunteers do not receive any payment for their work but we are able to reimburse reasonable travel expenses. Travel expenses, up to the value of £5 per full day, will be reimbursed upon production of a receipt within seven days of the volunteering.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

To volunteer you must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers aged 16 or 17 will require written consent from their parent or guardian.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities currently available please contact the charity team on 0161 276 4522 or register as a volunteer here