“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” – Alex Haley, American author and journalist
Grandparents play a special role in many young lives, but for some of our patients and families, the support of a grandparent is not always available. So, to help out we have some substitute ‘grandparents’ ready to step in.
Our Ward Grandparents are volunteers, who, like Josie Gledhill, are sometimes not technically grandparents themselves.
With her two boys in primary school, Josie said she missed interacting with children. She became a Ward Grandparent in February after hearing about the program from a friend who worked at the hospital.
“It was like what else can I do?” Josie said. “I’m not ready to go back into the workforce, so this is something where I can be of value in the community and do something with my time.”
A Ward Grandparent is a specially-trained volunteer who spends quality one-on-one time with a hospitalised child, helping their psychological health and wellbeing, while also supporting parents or carers during periods of hospitalisation.
As her first experience in a volunteering role, Josie said gaining the trust of a new family was a humbling experience.
“I actually feel really honoured when I meet people and have the families feel OK with you,” Josie said. “You have to be really kind, caring and understand that it’s not about what you want or how you see things, but it’s what you can offer.”
Ward Grandparents work with the parents or carers to arrange days and times for interaction and support.
“Usually, we can do three days a week and a maximum of three hours in those days,” Josie said.
“It’s about what’s going to suit the parents and what puts them at ease. These people are in a stressful situation, and so you need to be able to put yourself back and understand you’re there to help them.”
When asked what she loved about the role, Josie said seeing a patient and family go home was a highlight.
“You need to be able to say goodbye, and that’s the best outcome,” Josie said.
“To have them leave is brilliant. That’s why I’m here, for when they’re at the hospital and I’m a service.
“The best thing is when they can go home.”
If you’re interested in this program or would like more information on how to apply to be a Ward Grandparent Volunteer, visit the RCH’s How to Become a Volunteer page.
22 comments for “Ward Grandparent Program – Volunteer Josie shares her experience”
Tanya LewisTalbot
I am 42 with a 10 year old little girl and would love to find out more please
walshh
Dear Tanya, Thanks for your interest; check out the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above for more info!
Ann Littleford
I am interested in knowing more about becoming a Volunteer Ward Grandparent. I would be available on a Thursday if that suits.
Look forward to receiving some information.
Regards
Ann Littleford
walshh
Dear Anna, Great to hear that you’re interested in the program. You can find out more info on the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above!
Dani
My son has had 2 hospitalizations at RCH & thank god for the staff & volunteers. They are so caring & when your child is sick in hospital you need all the support you can get.
walshh
Dear Dani, Thank you for the lovely feedback; we hope your son is feeling much, much better!
Sue Hladky
Do they do this at other hospitals or only the RCH, what an awesome idea, I live too far away but would do it if it is in a hospital near me
walshh
Dear Sue, Thanks for your message. You’ll need to speak with hospitals in your area about the services that they offer. Thanks.
Margaret mulvey
Hi I am 51 .with 2 grandson. I work part time in the disability .for Villa Maria. and would love to give some of my time to your volunteer
walshh
Thanks Margaret! You can get in touch by clicking the ‘How to become a volunteer’ link at the end of the above story. Best wishes.
Trudy
I love help out on Fridays that my day off if u need myself help out i just come a grandmother last 5 weeks ago to lovely granddaughter her name is adaline. Cheers
wattsc
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother Trudy! We ask our Ward Grandparent’s to commit to a minimum of three engagements per week. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the link in the article. Thank you.
Sandra
Hi there! Love this idea! Would love to get involved but work Minday to Friday. Can you do it just on Weekends?
wattsc
Hi Sandra. Thanks for your interest! You can find out more info on the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above. Best wishes.
yazmin
I love kids and I would love to do it..as its a greatest opportunity to do it ..how do I sign up
wattsc
Thanks Yazmin! You can get in touch by clicking the ‘How to become a volunteer’ link at the end of the above story.
Cathrine Blizard
Hi, I am 55 with two grown up children. I would love to volunteer for a program like this. I have experience in looking after children of all ages. I would like to go the next step in volunteering please . Thanks
wattsc
Dear Catherine. It’s great to hear that you’re interested in the program. You can find out more info on the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above!
Heather
I’m interested in Volunteering for the Ward Grandparenting Program. Wanted to find out whether I was eligible to apply as I’m in my 40’s, single & with no kids of my own.
I’ve been a qualified Nanny since the age of 16 & have always been good with children, but especially good with babies. I’ve look after all of my nephews over the years, at the moment the youngest is 5. I have had Nanny jobs looking after other peoples children.
I am in a wheelchair & have no use of my legs but I do what I need to do. But because of this I believe I can bring something to the program that many people can’t. I find it difficult when people don’t give you a chance just because you have a disability. Some people just decide what you can & can’t do without even asking first.
I love looking after babies. Crying & all the stuff that goes along with it doesn’t bother me. I believe that if your calm the baby will feel that. But if your scared, aggitated, or upset, they’ll pick up on that too. I am quite able to change nappies, bath & feed them. Along with other things. But am happy to work with other children.
I believe this program would benefit us both & I’d love to be appart of it.
walshh
Dear Heather, It’s great to hear that you’re interested in the program. You can find out more info on the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above!
Jane Ingle
I would love to volunteer for ward grand parenting. I’m 48 and have 6 children, 3 of whom are outpatients in the orthopaedic department. we have been frequenting the hospital for 19 years. We will continue visits for a few years to come. I have been a stay at home mum with all my children (24-11), my youngest child starts high school next year, I would love nothing more than to give back to the hospital that has been there for us.
walshh
Dear Jane. It’s great to hear that you’re interested in our volunteer program. You can find out more info on the ‘How to Become a Volunteer’ link above!