East Midlands paediatric registrars discover the magic of volunteering

East Midlands paediatric registrars discover the magic of volunteering

Annual team-building Away Day

A team of 29 paediatric registrars from hospitals across the East Midlands swapped their normal wards for a day of archery, teamwork and giving back when they volunteered at here at Over The Wall Camp.

The registrars chose the charity for the second year running as part of their annual team-building and wellbeing Away Day.

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.

An Away Day with a difference

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.

For healthcare professionals, volunteering at Over The Wall Camp offers the chance to use their clinical skills in a completely different environment – one filled with plenty of camp magic.

“It has been a fantastic day and it feels like a really worthwhile use of our one Away Day each year. We all work at different hospitals, so it’s been great to catch up informally in person, which will help us work together in the future."
Izzy Perry
Paediatric Registrar

“Everyone has been really positive about getting competitive, being a bit childish and enjoying the games, but also knowing that we’ve given something back to the charity through the different volunteering tasks. A lot of us are keen to come back.

“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!”

Clinical Volunteering: A fantastic opportunity

For doctors, nurses and paramedics looking for a volunteering experience that combines professional skills, teamwork, fun and the chance to make a real difference, camp could be the perfect place to get involved.

“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."
Gemma Johnson
Head of Nursing, Over The Wall Camp

“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.”