Northern Health Volunteers

A few hours of your time can make a lifetime of difference.
Every day, babies are born, children are admitted to hospital, and families face moments that are equal parts joyful, overwhelming, and uncertain. While our nurses and midwives provide exceptional clinical care, a volunteer's kindness, reassurance, and presence can make all the difference.
We're looking for compassionate volunteers to support families across our Women's Health Unit and Children's Ward.

As a Family Support Volunteer, you'll provide comfort, companionship, and practical assistance to children, and their families by:

❤️ Comforting and soothing young children through gentle interaction, reading, singing, playing, or simply being a reassuring presence.

👶 Supporting new parents by watching over or settling their baby while mum has a shower or attends to personal needs (under staff guidance).

☕ Brightening someone's day by offering tea, coffee, fresh water, or helping families gather their belongings before heading home.

🎨 Helping children feel like kids again through play, crafts, puzzles, books, games, and age-appropriate activities that make the hospital experience a little less scary.

🤝 Supporting families by welcoming them to the ward, engaging siblings, escorting patients on discharge, and providing a friendly face when they need it most.

🧸 Assisting our busy clinical teams with practical tasks such as folding blankets, restocking supplies, organising donations, cleaning toys, preparing admission packs, and maintaining welcoming ward environments.

Every task, no matter how small, helps nurses and midwives spend more time delivering essential clinical care.

Volunteering is about far more than giving your time—it's about creating moments that matter.

You'll enjoy:

• Making a genuine difference in the lives of babies, children, and families.

• Becoming part of a supportive and caring hospital team.

• Building confidence, communication, and people skills.

• Gaining valuable experience in a healthcare environment.

• Meeting like-minded people and forming lasting friendships.

• Learning new skills through comprehensive training and ongoing support.

• The satisfaction of knowing your kindness helped someone through one of life's most important moments.

Many volunteers say they leave each shift knowing they've made someone's day just a little easier.

You don't need healthcare experience—we'll provide the training.

We're looking for people who are:

• Compassionate, caring, and patient.

• Friendly and confident speaking with people from all walks of life.

• Reliable and able to commit to regular shifts.

• Good listeners with a positive attitude.

• Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries.

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

Experience with children is welcomed but not essential.

Flexible regular volunteering opportunities are available.

All volunteers receive:

• Comprehensive hospital orientation.

• Hand Hygiene and Infection Control training.

• Ongoing education and support.

• Guidance from experienced nursing, midwifery, and volunteer teams.

A National Police Check, relevant screening, mandatory training, and up-to-date immunisations are required before commencing.

Whether you're comforting a baby, reading a story to a child, making a tired parent a cup of tea, or helping prepare a family for the journey home, your kindness has the power to ease stress, create connection, and remind families they are not alone.

Volunteer with us and help bring comfort, compassion, and care when it matters most.

• Shifts:  10am - 2:00pm

Free onsite parking is available and all training provided.

***Applicants must be aged 18 years or older***

BARE BELOW THE ELBOWS 
All staff (both clinical and non-clinical), students, volunteers and contractors having 
contact with the patient and/or the patient’s environment must be bare below the 
elbows, including the following:
• Hand and wrist jewellery (including wrist watches and fitness bands) are not to 
be worn in the clinical area, with the exception of a medical alert bracelet 
and/or a single, plain, non-porous ring. 
• Long sleeved clothing is not recommended, but if worn needs to be rolled up 
above the elbow so as not to interfere with hand hygiene practice.
• Nails are to be short, clean and unvarnished. 
• Artificial nails are not to be worn 
Please note:
* As each organisation provides different levels/types of insurance, volunteers are reminded to check with the organisation as to the type of insurance provided for volunteers (e.g. Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance).
* Best practice volunteer involvement recommends that a volunteer role should not be more than 15-16 hours per week.