Childrens Hospices Across Scotland

Charity registered in Scotland SC019724

CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. We offer care for the whole family in our two children's hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. We also run a homecare service called CHAS at Home helping families in their own homes across Scotland when they need it most.

We are currently supporting over 300 families, as well as significant number of families who receive bereavement support. Our services are funded mainly through the generousity of our many supporters who help us to raise over £9million needed each year to provide these hospice services.


Current opportunities

You can volunteer as often as you like and choose to do the things you like, or to try something completely new. Whether that's cheering on runners and walkers at events like the Edinburgh Marathon or one of the Kiltwalks, taking on a short shift at a community stall to raise awareness, shaking a bucket at a public collection or even helping out at a pop-up shop, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit you. You just choose your event from the opportunities listed in your regular CHASfest email and sign up online to choose your shift. And you can even bring a friend. We have opportunities all over Scotland but predominantly in the central belt, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can still get involved if you live further afield and can't make it to some events: we are always looking for volunteers to help us raise awareness of the needs of the families we support. CHASfest volunteers can also help us with quick online activities like signing petitions, liking and sharing social media content or emailing MSPs. What are the benefits to me? - Being part of a team of CHAS staff and volunteers raising awareness and funds - in lots of different ways - to provide unwavering care to the families of children with a life-shortening condition - Meeting new people - Having fun! What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS? We support families in each of our hospices and in local communities too. Our busy Community Fundraising Team couldn't do the amazing work they do to raise the money to fund these services without the incredible support of volunteers just like you.

Volunteer gardeners are an integral part of the hospice garden team, planting, clearing leaves, cutting grass and making the garden a welcoming and relaxing environment for children and families. Volunteer gardeners are an integral part of the hospice garden team, planting, clearing leaves, cutting grass and making the garden a welcoming and relaxing environment for children and families.It’s important to CHAS that the garden looks its best at all times to help families relax as possible during their stay at the hospice and also fun for the children. What activities will I be involved in?  Grass cutting General gardening: weeding, clearing leaves, tidying Assisting with planting, pruning etc. Assisting in the development of new areas of ground Keeping paths and driveways tidy Clearing snow and gritting drives, car parks and paths in winter, as necessary What skills and abilities will I need to have?  An outgoing and friendly personality An enjoyment of gardening A flexible approach An ability to undertake physical work outdoors Adhere to rules around GDPR and a strong understanding of confidentiality Shared values with the organisation What ongoing learning/support/guidance will I receive?  It’s important to us that you feel happy, safe and confident in your role. As a CHAS volunteer you will be invited to complete a short core learning package that is tailored to your role prior to your first day. Additionally, once you have started volunteering, we will also let you know about upcoming training dates that will be relevant to your role. Further Child Protection training (either online or face to face, approximately 3 hours in length) is mandatory for this role, to be completed within the first year of volunteering with us. There will also be opportunities to attend additional training such as Fire Evacuation (if you are based within a hospice). Your Volunteer Manager will provide ongoing support and guidance to you in your role. We have also partnered with the Skills Network to offer all our volunteers the chance to develop new skills and explore further learning opportunities. What are the benefits to me?  Learning new skills whilst having funGetting more involved and making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening conditionAdding to your cvMeeting new peopleHaving fun! What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS?  Families supported by CHAS are often under a lot of strain so having a beautiful garden in which to relax can make all the difference to their stay at the hospice. What else should I know?  You must be aged 16 or older for this role. This role requires membership of the PVG scheme (children only). There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis. CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation will improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise. We welcome volunteer applications from those who are refugees, asylum seekers, benefit claimants and those with a disability.

Housekeeping volunteers are an essential part of the Robin House Housekeeping Team. We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic people who take a pride in maintaining a homely environment to join the team. The aim of this role is to work within a team to keep the hospice clean, tidy and welcoming. The Hospice should be a home from home for children and families who come to the hospice for rest and relaxation. What activities will I be involved in? - Light housework - Vacuuming - Assisting in the cleaning of low level windows - At times there may also be the opportunity to support the team with specific tasks such as: - General cleaning of bathrooms - Laundry - Cleaning of rooms - Tidying the art room, computer rooms and play areas - Toy cleaners work specifically within the Activities Team keeping toys clean and hygienic What are the benefits to me? - Learning new skills - Using your existing skills - Getting more involved and making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition - Adding to your CV - Meeting new people - Having fun! What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS? - Children and families will receive a homely welcome and a clean, tidy environment to help them feel relaxed in the hospice. - Children we support are clinically vulnerable so having a clean, safe environment is crucial to their care This role requires membership of the PVG scheme (children only). There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis. If you would like additional information about the role please call 01577 866065 or email volunteering@chas.org.uk. If you’re interested in the role you can apply online

Kitchen volunteers are an essential part of the catering team. We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic people with an interest in cooking and pride in producing good quality meals for families.The aim of this role is to work within a team to produce meals for children, families and visitors to the hospice. The hospices give families respite and a break from their day to day caring responsibilities. Having a fresh, home –cooked meal can make a big difference to a family’s stay, helping them to relax and enjoy a good meal without having to worry about the preparation and washing up! What activities will I be involved in? Food preparation (chopping vegetables, salad, fruit and grating cheese) Making sandwiches and preparing tea and coffee for hospice events Setting tables for meal times Serving meals Clearing the table after meals Stacking and emptying the dishwasher What skills and abilities will I need to have? A willingness and ability to stand for extended periods of time An ability to represent CHAS enthusiastically and appropriately An ability to relate to people of all ages Adhere to rules around GDPR and a strong understanding of confidentiality Good communication skills