Our wonderful Volunteer Befrienders

26th June 2025

At Acorns Children’s Hospice, play is powerful. It’s in the sound of shared laughter, the quiet joy of reading a story together, or the messy excitement of arts and crafts. Helping to bring these magical moments to life are our incredible Volunteer Befrienders – compassionate individuals who give their time to support children and young people to play, explore and simply be themselves.

Whether it’s helping a child enjoy the calming Sensory Room or getting creative during a music session, our Befriending Volunteers are a vital part of our hospice family. Their impact is profound, offering not just companionship and fun, but also connection and comfort.

We spoke to two of our wonderful volunteers – Debi and Pippa – to find out what being a Befriender at Acorns means to them.

Volunteer Befrienders experiences

Debi, who began volunteering after retirement, says that according to her post-retirement volunteering wish list, it was obvious she would find herself at Acorns. “I wanted to work with children, to be hands-on and to add value. I also have personal experience of the loss of a child, and I wanted to work with children who have a life limiting condition or who are reaching their end of life.”

Pippa first joined Acorns while still in sixth form. “I was hoping to gain experience in a care setting and help out in my community,” she explains. “When I went to university in Birmingham, I continued volunteering at the Selly Oak hospice alongside my studies.”

For both volunteers, the joy comes from the variety, the connection, and the small, special moments.

A woman smiling at the camera, next to a young child who is lying on a blanket with toys around.
An Acorns volunteer befriender smiling and holding a rabbit in her arms.

Every session is different

“I love the seasonal events – Santa visits, sensory walks, summer crafts – and being included by the staff to help ensure every child is involved,” says Debi. “Over time, I’ve come to know some of the children well, and I love remembering the little things they enjoy. Oh and the cuddles! You can’t overlook the cuddles!”

Pippa adds: “Each session is different. One week I might be playing football or making friendship bracelets, the next I could be dressed as Santa’s helper or holding a snake with the children! The variety keeps it fun and meaningful.”

There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ shift, and that’s part of the magic.

Debi explains: “So many factors come into play, which children are visiting the hospice, how they’re feeling, what they’ve already done that day. It can change by the minute. You learn to go with the flow.

“Acorns is full of life, fun and laughter”

Acorns changed their views

Pippa explains her Sunday routine: “I arrive and change into my purple Befriender’s scrubs, then check in with the Nurse in Charge to learn who’s staying that day. I’m told about the children’s preferences, and needs, then jump into the day, whether that’s stories, crafts or garden play. Some days are busy, others are quiet, but there’s always something special.”

Before volunteering, both Debi and Pippa were unsure of what to expect. But Acorns quickly changed their views.

“I didn’t think the hospice would be sad,” says Debi, “but it’s so much jollier than I expected. What staggered me most is how quickly the children engage with me. They’re so used to being surrounded by different people, they often connect faster than children who don’t have complex needs.”

A woman volunteer befriender playing with a young child on a play mat, with toys around.
A man and a woman crouching down petting a sheep.

Acorns is full of life and laughter

Pippa shared a similar experience: “I was nervous at first. I wasn’t sure how to act in such emotional circumstances. But Acorns is full of life, fun and laughter. I didn’t realise how much respite care was offered either – it’s not just for end-of-life. I’ve learnt so much from the incredible staff and volunteers.”

Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the children. It deeply impacts the volunteers too.

“I didn’t expect to feel so proud,” says Debi. “I like being useful, and it’s a good day when I get a happy response from a child. I’ve learnt so much from them and I cherish every hug and cuddle I’m given.”

Pippa, now training to be a GP, says her experience at Acorns has shaped her career: “It’s had a huge impact on my life.

“My understanding of children with life limiting conditions has influenced how I care for patients and families. But it’s also something I love to do to give back to the community.”

Thank you to our Volunteer Befrienders

Thanks to your ongoing support, we’re able to recruit, train and care for volunteers like Debi and Pippa and in turn, they help us provide exceptional experiences for the children and families who rely on Acorns.

Every donation, every fundraising event, every act of kindness makes this possible. You help us create joyful, meaningful moments and you support the volunteers who make them happen.

To our Befriending Volunteers – and to you – thank you.

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