A charity which helps cheer up sick children at Southampton General Hospital has issued a plea for more volunteers.
Radio Lollipop Southampton is looking for volunteers as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
The charity is in need of enthusiastic people to join their team in entertaining young hospital patients and filling three necessary management roles.
These roles are voluntary and critical to the charity's continued operation.
Radio Lollipop Southampton has launched a recruitment drive as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday (Image: Supplied)
Radio Lollipop has been offering comfort through music and play to sick children since its inception in 1994.
The volunteers visit the children's wards every Monday and Thursday, from 6pm to 8pm, equipped with various playful activities.
Currently, the charity has 11 volunteers ranging from students to retired individuals but requires more involvement and support.
The ideal goal is to have 20 volunteers, allowing the introduction of a weekend session.
Also being sought for the team are a chair, a fundraiser, and a treasurer.
Meanwhile, the charity is working diligently to raise the remaining £3,000 needed for a multi-sensory "LolliTrollie" - a unique tool designed to entertain and divert young patients' attention from their illness.
This state-of-the-art equipment, priced at £12,000, is particularly needed due to hospital renovations inhibiting Radio Lollipop's ward broadcasting capabilities.
Radio Lollipop's Tina (Image: Supplied)
Those interested in volunteering must be at least 18 years old, pass the requisite checks for working with children, commit to a minimum of two and a half hours per week and ten out of 13 sessions, and will receive full training.
Tina Jones, Radio Lollipop Southampton trustee, said: "This is the perfect time for new people to come onboard as we look to expand the service.
"Our existing volunteers are brilliant, but we need more. We are down to only two volunteers on Monday nights now, which puts the service at risk.”
"I would encourage people of any age to come forward and give it a go. We are a friendly, supportive team – and the smiles on the children’s faces will make it all worthwhile!"
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