Young Compassion in Action is our volunteering programme for young people. Whether you're exploring careers in healthcare, looking for real-world experience, or want to give something back to your community, this is a step that can take you further than you'd expect.
It's more than giving your time, it's building skills, confidence, and connections that last.
Work alongside nurses, therapists, and fundraisers in a real healthcare setting. This isn't shadowing, you'll be part of the team.
Working in a hospice teaches you to communicate, to listen, and to show up when it matters. That confidence stays with you.
Communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving, the skills employers are looking for, built in a setting that matters.
A volunteering reference from the Hospice tells any employer or university exactly who you are and what you're capable of.
Hear from someone who's been exactly where you are now.
Many of our young volunteers have gone on to careers in healthcare, social care, finance, and beyond.
• Hands-on experience in a professional care environment
• Transferable skills valued by employers and universities
• Confidence working with people in sensitive situations
• An understanding of palliative care, and the charity sector
• A strong reference from a respected organisation
• Nursing and healthcare careers
• Social work and community support
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Charity and fundraising roles
• Any career that values compassion and teamwork
Supporting patients and families with companionship, activities, and mealtimes.
Serving customers, sorting donations, and helping run our Clyde Shopping Centre store.
Maintaining the grounds and creating a peaceful outdoor space for patients.
Helping at our fundraising events, from the Jazz Lunch to the Christmas Bus.
Admin support, mailings, data entry, keeping things running behind the scenes.
Supporting campaigns, helping with social media, or organising your own event.
No experience needed. We'll support you every step of the way.
Tell us about yourself and what interests you.
An informal chat and a look around the Hospice.
A disclosure check and two references.
A tour, an introduction, and you're good to go!
You need to be 16 or over to volunteer at the Hospice.
That depends on your availability and whether you're working towards an award. Some volunteers give a few hours a week, others come in for a full day. If you're completing hours for the Duke of Edinburgh Award or the Caritas Award, we'll work with you to make sure you meet the requirements. We'll fit around you.
It can be emotional at times, but our team supports every volunteer, and most people find the experience more uplifting than they expected. You'll see the difference you make every day.
Yes, volunteering at the Hospice is an excellent fit for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award. Both awards may require a certain number of volunteering hours to be completed, and we're happy to help you track and evidence these. Just let us know which award you're working towards when you get in touch and we'll make sure your time with us counts.
Absolutely. After a period of volunteering, we're happy to provide references for university applications, job applications, or anything else.
Very. You'll work alongside nurses, doctors, therapists, and care staff in a real clinical environment. It's one of the best ways to understand what a career in healthcare actually looks like.