• About RCH Volunteer Service
• Services
• How to become a Volunteer
• Volunteer Handbook
• Frequently asked questions
• Staff
• Contact Volunteer Service

Frequently Asked Questions - Volunteers

Q. How do I become a volunteer?

A. In order to become a volunteer you will need to meet the following basic Criteria;

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or over
• Able to make a weekly commitment of 3 hours
• Able to volunteer for minimum period of 12 months
• Have no criminal history of violence, drug offences, sex offences or crime against children

You will need to attend an information session at the hospital before applying to become a volunteer. For details please contact the Volunteer Service.

Q. Can I undertake my high school community service or Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer requirements at the Children's Hospital?

A. No. Due to the minimum age and time commitment required of volunteers our volunteer programme is not suitable for school community service or DoE requirements. Find out how you can help.

Q. What roles are available?

A. There are over 70 different job descriptions for day volunteers, however, these do fall into particular categories:-

• Contact with children (through the play program)
• Wards (including Recovery) and ward playrooms, clinics, day centre, Education Institute, Uncle Bobs, sibling care, surgical pre op area
• Family Support on the wards and in Emergency
• Active work throughout the hospital:
  • Admissions
  • Emergency
  • Customer Service at Front Desk and Family Resource Centre
• Basic Clerical:
  • Support to a wide variety of different departments throughout the hospital
• Quiet Tasks:
  • Based in the workroom of the Volunteer Service - collating, sorting, recycling histories. Sometimes carrying out these duties in the originating department

Q. How do I apply?

A. Contact the Volunteer Service for details of the next information session.

Q. I work fulltime but still would like to help?

A. If you are available 4.30pm - 7.30pm Tuesday through to Friday you can apply to become a volunteer for the Out of Hours Program. Alternatively the Emergency program is available in three hour time slots from 3.00 pm to midnight Tuesday to Friday and midday to midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Q. If I don't meet the criteria, but still want to volunteer somewhere, what can I do?

A. Contact Volunteering Victoria on (03) 9642 5266 or search Go Volunteer or Seek Volunteer for more volunteering opportunities.

Most public hospitals within Victoria also have volunteer programmes. Contact the hospitals in your area to find out about their volunteering opportunities.

Your local council can also advise you of volunteering opportunities in your area.