Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet are appealing for new Home Support Volunteers in Enfield, Harrow and Brent. Volunteering has always been central to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, it’s a hugely rewarding experience and one that enables volunteers to develop their knowledge and skills. Whether it’s just a few hours or a couple of days a week – becoming a Home Support Volunteer really makes a difference to the children and families we support.

Noah’s Ark’s Home Support Volunteer programme was established in 2008 to help families cope with the demands of providing constant care. Home Support Volunteers provide a range of practical and social support to the families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. This ranges from helping siblings with their homework and playing games to simply being a spare pair of hands to help with household jobs like cleaning and gardening. Becoming a Home Support Volunteer provides a rewarding opportunity to directly support children who are seriously unwell and their families in your local community.
Meena Vencatasawmy from Enfield, one of our existing Home Support Volunteers, said of her experience; ‘My brother, Pramod, volunteered for Noah’s Ark a few years ago. He sadly died during Covid, and I felt I wanted to continue the connection that he had started. I have a background in nursing and midwifery, and I wanted to do something related to healthcare, but that was more community focused. I love the interaction I have with the child I volunteer with, and I know that we both look forward to seeing each other. When they thank me for coming, I feel like I should be thanking them as I enjoy it so much! On a recent visit, the child said, ‘I want you to come forever’, it’s a simple thing but it meant so much to me.’
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice said: ‘Everyone who volunteers for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice has a positive impact, but Home Support Volunteers really do make a huge difference to the children and families we support. The lives of these families are not easy and to have someone to ease the pressure by offering practical and social support in their home is invaluable.’

More information on the roles and the application process can be found here – https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/. If you have any questions please email – volunteering@noahsarkhospice.org.uk or call 020 8449 8877.