Volunteering opportunity – be our mascot!

We’re looking for an enthusiastic people to be our charity mascot, Sunny.

What is the purpose of the role?

You will provide valuable social interaction by dressing up in a special costume representing Bright Charity and entertain patients and staff on hospital sites or as part of Bright Charity events off site.

The purpose of this position is to provide entertainment and engage with people in a positive manner.

This volunteer position will be flexible hours.

What tasks can this role include?

• Meet and greet attendees of events.
• Display enthusiasm and high energy at all times to keep the entertainment level high.
• Preserve the identity of the mascot without deviating from established character including body language/mannerisms and attitude
• Work well in a team environment.
• Take care of the costume and props when in your possession.
• Perform a series of non-verbal communications signals to be used with the mascot handler in public, e.g, the mascot actor will have a signal when he/she needs to be escorted away from the area. The handler will have a series of signals or code words that the mascot actor understands to communicate information such as a child is scared; back away from the crowd, etc.

This might be the role for you if you have:

• Good communication and listening skills.
• An awareness and understanding of confidentiality.
• A sense of humour.
• Understanding of and empathy with the needs of people.
• Patience and sensitivity.
• Ability to display reliability and trustworthiness.
• Requirement to undertake induction training, to work to guidelines and partake in ongoing support and supervision sessions.
• Good physical condition and able to lift and wear the costume.

What are the benefits to you?

• An opportunity to gain experience of a hospital setting.
• Develop your skills and experience.
• A flexible voluntary role which can fit around your existing commitments.

What are the benefits to our organisation?

• Improved patient / family / staff experience in or around a busy ward/department.

What support and training will be provided?

• Full Volunteer Recruitment process.
• Volunteer Induction training.
• Specific training for the role / activities, induction and regular support meetings.
• Regular and on-going support from a named member of staff.
• On-going training as the role requires.
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed in accordance with the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Volunteering Policy.

Location:  Trust wide / Bright Charity events.

A DBS check at an enhanced level is required for this role.

If you are interested in this role with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust or would like further information, then please email volunteers@northumbria.nhs.uk or call 0191 2031354