https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/volunteering-us/

Volunteering at GOSH

A group of people all wearing bright yellow tshirts. They are smiling and waving.

Welcome to Volunteer Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Brimming with energy, skill, and dedication, GOSH volunteers welcome patients, provide emotional support to families, and lend a hand to teams across the hospital.

Over the last year, 624 volunteers spent 34,798 volunteer hours on:

  • 16,504 interactions with patients, helping run activities including play, games, arts and crafts, sports, gaming, talking, and reading
  • 3,970 hours of practical and emotional support to patients and families
  • 221 therapeutic massages for parents in our three Intensive Care Units
  • Hair and beauty sessions for patients

Volunteer recruitment is currently closed and will reopen on 1 September 2025.

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply and what we're looking for in a GOSH volunteer.

Meet our volunteers

See some of the many comments volunteers have made about their experiences in a range of volunteering roles.

Meet the Volunteer Services team

Learn more about what we do, who we are and how you can contact us.

Examples of opportunities

Browse details of examples of volunteer opportunities.

Meet the GOSH therapy dogs

At Great Ormond Street Hospital we have a team of wonderful canine volunteers who visit patients, visitors, and staff.

Contact Volunteer Services

How to get in touch with the Volunteer Services team.

With over 40 different volunteering roles in the hospital our huge team of 1,000 volunteers collectively provide more than 3,500 hours of their time every week. The Trust is committed to engaging volunteers in meaningful roles that enhance our services and add value to the patient and family experience. As such, the Trust looks to ensure that volunteers are well placed, inducted, trained and supported throughout their volunteering to guarantee the best possible practice and service. All our volunteers love coming to the hospital to undertake their role, knowing that they are making a real difference to people's lives. Volunteers tell us all the time about the great work that is happening. We are proud of our volunteers and the enormous contribution they make. I look forward to receiving your application and you hopefully joining the team.

Jamie Wilcox, Head of Volunteer Services
  • A volunteer in a yellow shirt and a patient joyfully playing table football together
  • A group of five people in yellow shirts smile while posing with a giant panda mascot.
  • Two small grey fluffy dogs asleep on a patients legs who is sitting in bed.
  • A cheerful group of people dressed in yellow shirts, standing and kneeling next to a Christmas Tree

    GOSH volunteers at Christmas

  • A photo of a large dog sat down. The dog is black, white and orange coloured, with big floppy ears. It is wearing blue coat, with blue lead attached. The photo is from Christmas time, so Bailey also has fur around her jacket.

    Bailey the therapy dog

  • A volunteer wearing a yellow shirt is sitting with a patient at a table playing with toy dogs
  • A man in an orange and blue outfit strikes a pose mid air while jumping next to a ballerina who is also mid-jump. She is wearing a blue top and white tutu. They are both on a roof garden

    Blippi and Tara the Ballerina