CHI Volunteer Training Programme
CHI's Commitment to training
and supporting its volunteers
Children in Hospital Ireland is committed to ensuring its volunteers running the PlayWell and JustAsk Services are given the training and support necessary to equip them for their work and that every volunteer is vetted and they provide references to the organisation prior to placement.
Training Programmes
CHI organises volunteer training programmes twice a year in all the hospitals in which we operate. CHI endeavours to provide all volunteers with quality training to equip them to work in a Paediatric Hospital or Unit. This training helps volunteers to provide play for children and support for parents in a confident and efficient manner. All new volunteers must attend CHI's comprehensive training programme, which has been developed in co-operation with hospital staff. New volunteers are encouraged to attend the training programme at the hospital where they choose to volunteer.
The Training Programme comprises a number of modules which are delivered over three or four half-day sessions or two full-day sessions. Through fun team-building exercises, the training programme is designed to encourage new volunteers to interact so that they get to know each other and existing volunteers.
New JustAsk Volunteers attend an additional module specifically designed for working on a hospital help desk.
CHI offers ongoing training to all PlayWell and JustAsk Volunteers during the year.
For additional information on our training programmes please contact the CHI office.
CHI Volunteer Placement
On completion of the training course and following receipt of satisfactory Garda vetting and reference checks, all new volunteers have an introductory period of three to six months to ensure that the arrangements made are mutually satisfactory.
New CHI Volunteers work under the guidance of the relevant hospital personnel or an experienced CHI volunteer and will be introduced to staff and other volunteers when they start their introductory placement. Each volunteer will be issued with an identity name badge and uniform - a tabard, t-shirt or jacket.
CHI's Volunteer Services Manager or Local Area Co-ordinator will advise new volunteers on who they can contact for support and advice and any special precautions necessary.
