Paediatric registrars discover the magic of volunteering at kids’ charity

A team of paediatric registrars from hospitals across the East Midlands recently swapped their wards for a day volunteering at children’s charity Over The Wall Camp.

The 29 registrars chose the charity, based in Ockbrook, for the second year running as part of their annual team building and wellbeing Away Day.

Over The Wall Camp provides free, fun and inclusive residential camps for children and young people living with serious health challenges and disabilities, as well as their families.

Through its camps, children can try new things, make friends, build confidence, and enjoy the magic and mischief of childhood in a safe, supportive environment.

The charity’s programmes are carefully designed to create magical experiences and lasting memories for children and families who may spend much of their time attending hospital appointments or managing complex health needs.

In addition to unleashing their competitive sides with archery and games, the NHS team rolled up their sleeves to help the charity prepare for upcoming Family Camps.

Volunteers helped with a range of practical tasks, including resetting activities for the next camp and organising items for family wellbeing.

But the day was about more than just teamwork. It also gave the paediatric specialists a chance to find out more about the difference they could make as Clinical Volunteers at camp.

Izzy Perry, a paediatric registrar based at King’s Mill Hospital, who organised the Away Day, said: “It’s been really useful to learn more about Over The Wall Camp and think about which children we could highlight and refer to camp.

“It’s also been great to hear about how we can get involved as Clinical Volunteers – there’s a whole bunch of us who are interested.”

Gemma Johnson, head of nursing at Over The Wall Camp, said: “Nurses, doctors and paramedics have a critical role to play as Clinical Volunteers at camp.

“They provide home-from-home medical care for children and young people, helping to create a safe environment where campers can enjoy all the magic, mischief and adventure that camp has to offer.

“Clinical volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to use your skills in a different way, while becoming part of a brilliant team and helping children and families make incredible memories.

“It’s also really important for us to build strong links with regional hospitals and healthcare professionals, so we can raise awareness of our camps and how children can be referred to our services.

“Children travel from all over the country to attend camp, so these local partnerships are essential to ensuring seamless care if a child becomes unwell and needs hospital treatment.”

To find out more about Clinical Volunteer roles at Over The Wall Camp, click here.