Robin House is Scotland’s second children’s hospice. It offers a purpose-built ‘home from home’ with accommodation for up to eight families from across Scotland at any one time. Robin House offers a place where families can relax, recharge their batteries and have fun with their children, while providing expert care and helping the families make the most of each day and live life to the full.
Here Carolyn talks about her day at Robin House and why she chose to volunteer there as part of our 200 charity initiative, which encourages staff to help a local charity or community project.
“I chose to volunteer for Robin House because it sounded like such a special place for families albeit in very sad circumstances. I’m also a really keen gardener and knew I could work in the gardens with little or no supervision and really make a difference.
"Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a garden, and Robin House creates a beautiful setting for families to spend time together. I went along expecting to be quite an emotional wreck during/after my visit. That couldn’t have been further from my experience. I found a beautiful, tranquil and uplifting setting. It’s not a place for sadness, it’s a place for families to celebrate the life, however short, of the babies and children who use Robin House.
"Nothing can change why families spend time there, but all those who volunteer in so many ways, help to make this such as special place for families. Until my visit, I hadn’t appreciated that some of the children had never been outside a hospital. The house and gardens are designed so that even their hospital beds can be taken outside. Each “apartment” has its own little garden area and creates such a lovely place for children and their parents to have real “family time” together. Without Robin House, they’d never have that opportunity.
"I’d definitely volunteer to go along again. So for anyone thinking of volunteering, do it! Go along to these events, your help does make such a difference to so many people.”
