Radio Lollipop Whangārei calls for new volunteers to cheer hospital kids

Radio Lollipop Whangārei volunteer co-ordinator Katie Hirst (right) pictured with volunteer Hashi Nirupika during a Christmas-themed week.

Laughter can be the best medicine, or at least help provide a bit of fun distraction for children sick in hospital.

That is the ethos of Whangārei Radio Lollipop, a volunteer organisation which spreads happiness in Whangārei Hospital’s children’s ward.

The charity is appealing for more volunteers, so it can increase its evening sessions on the ward from twice a week to three or four times.

The volunteer playmakers do not need any prior experience, just a willingness to play and have fun with the kids, said volunteer co-ordinator Katie Hirst.

With no children of her own nor any training in education, the human resources officer is the prime example of the role not needing any prerequisites.

“I work in a corporate job during the day, but Monday nights are my chance to be a kid with the kids on the ward ... If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Hirst said she first heard about Radio Lollipop Whangārei through a Northern Advocate article last year, when the organisation made a push for a refresh in the new children’s ward.

She was one of about 30 people to attend an information session after the article ran.

Hirst admitted that while she had heard of Radio Lollipop previously, she was not aware it was running at Whangārei Hospital.

The global service began in Britain in the 1970s and runs in Christchurch, three Auckland hospitals and in Whangārei, with a live radio show broadcasting from the Christchurch and Starship hospitals.

In Whangārei, children can ring the radio station or send in pictures of their craft, but the main focus for volunteers is spending time with each child on the ward, aged from toddlers to 17, Hirst said.

The reward is the sound of children’s laughter and the relief seen in parents, she said.

“When they’ve been stuck in the hospital, they [the volunteers] can bring this different energy and a different focus for a short period of time.

“It’s a distraction, and it can give parents a chance to have a breather or watch their child having a fun experience in hospital.”

The volunteers do everything from playing board games to leading craft sessions with the kids and their siblings, with full training, resources and weekly themes provided.

Hirst gave the example of a young girl who was in tears one night because she was in so much pain.

The Radio Lollipop playmakers encouraged her to do some arts and crafts, providing an important distraction that left the girl smiling and laughing, she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer must be over 18, pass a police check and attend information and training sessions, Hirst said.

The next Radio Lollipop information session will be held in central Whangārei on Sunday, March 1, from 12pm to 1pm.

Contact Volunteering Northland for more information.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.