What commitment do I need to make?
We ask that all volunteers commit to volunteering once a week for at least one year. Of course illness and holidays will happen for all people, so ensuring that you are in touch with your partner and team leader is important.

What Support will I be given?
Our Volunteer Manager is available for support by phone, email or via the volunteering app, Volunteero. Our Volunteer Manager will also visit the hospital for volunteer team meetings and providing occasional further training opportunities throughout the year. You will also have the support of a volunteer team leader, who is a volunteer in your hospital themselves.

Of course you will be part of a volunteer team on your shift, in our hospital overall, and one of more than 300 CIH volunteers who we hope you will meet at trainings, meetings, and engage on Volunteero.

As a volunteer with CIH, you are also becoming a member of CIH. This entitles you to a voice in the organisation, a vote at the AGM and ongoing training and educational opportunities. You will also be provided with a t-shirt or tabard, name badge and volunteer manual.

How old do I need to be?
Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old, but after that we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds & experiences.

Are there different volunteer roles?
In the hospital setting, most volunteers are Play Volunteers. However we do have Child and Family Support Volunteers across CHI at Crmlin and Temple Street who provide additional play opportunities when the family cannot be there at the hospital. In CHI at Crumlin there is also an opportunity to volunteer as a JustAsk Volunteer. This role helps families arriving in to the hospital stressed and unfamiliar with the hospital to get to their appointments or wards.

Additionally we welcome anyone interested in supporting Children in Hospital Ireland as a fundraising volunteer.

Or, if you have specialised skills in technology, communication, social media, administration or any other skills we are always happy to talk to you about volunteering opportunities in our Dublin office.

How do I get my Garda Vetting?
You can find out more about the Garda Vetting process here

What do I do if I have lived outside Ireland?
If you have lived outside of Ireland for more than 6 months after age 16, you will need to provide a police clearance from that country (countries). These are especially important for child protection and safeguarding. You can find help in how to go about this Vetting and Police Clearance here