Family Volunteering

Snowdrop Family Volunteers come from all backgrounds, women, men and sometimes couples, whether retired or working. Family Volunteers are special people who help families through the traumas of coping with a sick child, often becoming good friends to the children and parents. Family Volunteers help in many ways, they can provide practical help with transport to and from hospital and doctors appointments, help with shopping, babysitting, playing with siblings, supporting the parents, or helping with school work.

If you are interested in becoming a Family Volunteer please contact Jane Wilkinson, Volunteer Coordinator

Email: jane.wilkinson@westsussexpct.nhs.uk Tel: 01243 815273

Ana Carmona's insight into being a Snowdrop Family Volunteer;
I VOLUNTEER FOR NO SIMPLER REASON THAN TO SEE BETHANY SMILE!

The idea of doing some voluntary work had popped into my mind several times, but I didn't know for certain what I would do before I decided to join the Snowdrop volunteering team. My life was good, I have a nice family, a lovely caring partner, hundreds of friends and even enjoy my career but I was missing something: the feeling of doing something good for others.

One morning, I decided that it was time for a change! So I started to search for local charities to do some voluntary work, and this is how I came across The Sussex Snowdrop Trust website. I automatically felt that giving some of my time and support to families caring for a child with a life-threatening illness was something that I wanted to do.

I love playing with children and have some experience baby-sitting and working in playgroups so I thought why not help Snowdrop families with that? I contacted the Trust straight away by email and told them that I was interested in becoming a volunteer.

Soon after my CRB check came through, the family volunteer co-ordinator introduced me to the Whittle's family (a really lovely family) and there was Bethany, my new little friend  I believe that Bethany and I got on very well from the first time we met and every time since, we have had a great time together.

Some days we play games or do some painting at home, others we go out to have lunch and do some shopping. Last time I saw her, we spent some time in the local park. We played on the swings, slides, seesaws... It was good fun and a very entertaining exercise in keeping the child in me active!! We even skipped back home!! (better than the gym I must say )

The Whittles are a wonderful family and being able to help Sonia and Dayne look after Bethany for just a few hours a week, makes me really happy. I feel that meeting Bethany and her family has been one of the greatest events for me this year. The whole experience has being very rewarding. I just look forward to seeing her again soon in the New Year so we can enjoy many new adventures together!

By Ana Carmona, Volunteering with Bethany & the Whittle Family

P.S. Bethany's favourite colour is Pink!


Reception at  Buckingham Palace
Two excited Sussex Snowdrop Volunteers attended a Reception in the Throne Room, Portrait Gallery and Round Room at Buckingham Palace given by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Queens Awards for Voluntary Service.  They supped champagne and nibbled sumptuous canapés until at 6pm they were introduced to her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Volunteers met many other interesting people from other charities and managed a visit or two to the original mahogany loos in the Ladies before kicking off their shoes on the train home, with big smiles on their faces, reliving the experience that they had just had.