How do I apply?

You can apply to volunteer by filling out our registration form, just here.

What happens next?

If you have applied to be one of our events volunteers then you’ll be added to our mailing list and notified about upcoming events as and when we need extra pairs of hands. For all of our other roles, a member of our fundraising team will get in touch with you either by phone or by email, and depending on the role you may be invited in to meet us for an informal chat.

If you have decided to knit for us, thank you! You can send your knitting to us via the address on our knitting page.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

To volunteer with the fundraising team you’ll need to be 18-years-old, however if we have a signed parental consent form we can accept 16-17-year-old volunteers as well. Alternatively, anyone aged 16 or over can also volunteer at the hospital by contacting Debbie Coates on 0121 335 8225 or by emailing [email protected].

What skills do I need?

For many of our roles the most you’ll need is a passion for our charity and a can-do attitude! Any required skills are likely to be mentioned in the role description, so please check our main volunteer page if you are not sure. 

How much time do I need to commit?

Really this depends on how you’d like to help us and how much time you have available. For events it may be a morning or afternoon every couple of months, whereas more regular volunteering opportunities may require a few hours every week. Knitting can be done in the comfort of your own home at your own pace, and any blankets or clothes you make can be sent over to us whenever you are able to do so.

Will I be given training and support?

We want you to feel comfortable and confident when you volunteer with us, so we will always make sure that you know exactly what you are doing and have support from a member of staff. Training will depend on the role, but if there is anything you need to learn before you get started, a member of the fundraising team will be there to train you up and give you any guidance you may need.

Can I volunteer if I am receiving benefits?

Absolutely! Providing that you declare your volunteering activities to your benefits advisor, you can support us as much or as little as you are able to.

I am disabled. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! If you have any questions or are concerned about accessibility/facilities, please contact our team on 0121 335 8040 so that we can have a chat about how you can help and which roles may suit you best.

I have a criminal record. Does it mean that I can’t volunteer for you?

It depends on the offence and how long ago it was committed. We look at each registration form on a case-by-case basis and make a decision based on the nature of the offence and the suitability of the volunteer role you’ve applied for.

Who pays for my travel expenses?

We can always reimburse your travel expenses if necessary! Just contact us for further information and we can help you out.

What if I change my mind or if I don’t like it?

That’s absolutely fine. If you decide that volunteering for us isn’t for you, or if your circumstances change and you’re no longer able to help, just let us know and we will remove you from our volunteer database. You can always sign up again later if you wish to do so; all we ask is that you let us know.

I want to volunteer for the hospital. How can I do that?

If you want to help out within the hospital itself, you can contact Debbie Coates on 0121 335 8225 or by emailing [email protected].

None of these FAQs answers my question.

If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0121 335 8040 and we will have a chat with you. Alternatively you can email us at [email protected] and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can.