Hospital Scout Group runs activities for young patients
Thanks to a dedicated team of Scouts volunteers, Thursday evenings at Sheffield Children’s Hospital look a little different. They bring fun and laughter to young patients, their siblings and their parents or carers. Here's how the Group run Scouts in a hospital setting.
Sheffield Children's Hospital Scout Group run activities that are designed to include young people with different support needs. From crafts and painting to quizzes and wordsearches, each Section Night has a different themed activity, giving young people something exciting to look forward to.
One activity the patients enjoy is animal mask making, which can easily be adapted. For example, if a young person struggles with fine motor skills, they can be given larger materials. You could also suggest they work in pairs with another young person or with a volunteer.
Neil, the Group Lead Volunteer, has been volunteering at Scouts for over 25 years. After spending time supporting the hospital during his role as County Lead Volunteer, he enjoyed it so much that he decided to take on a permanent role. Neil and his team of volunteers help bring adventure to young people when they need it most.
What’s the impact?
For young patients, hospital stays can be long and boring. The Scout Group gives young people a chance to have fun, be creative and spend time with others their own age. And it gives parents or carers a well-earned break too!
Neil says the greatest benefit is to the patients’ health and wellbeing. In fact, the Group is even thought to have helped speed up some recoveries! With many young people already struggling with their mental health, having something to look forward to during their hospital stay can make a huge difference.
One young person was awarded a Scouts’ Medal for Meritorious Conduct for the courage and determination she showed in taking part in Scouts while receiving cancer treatment. Being away from her friends at school was difficult, but Scouts brightened up her day. Her mum said the fun and laughter helped her get through.
Overcoming challenges
Running a Scout Group in a hospital isn’t quite the same as a usual Section Night. Neil shared some of the unique challenges, from navigating hospital rules and regulations to making sure people know the Group exists. Neil's role involves raising awareness of Scouts, as many people in the local community aren't aware of what Scouts offers.
Every week looks different. On some nights, lots of young people join in, while there might only be a few on other nights. With a high turnover of hospital staff, it’s a challenge to keep everyone aware of the Group.
But the volunteers take it all in their stride. They stay flexible, ready for anything and focus on building strong relationships with hospital and play scheme staff. Getting a mention in the hospital bulletin has also been a great way to spread the word!
A legacy of hospital Scout Groups
Running Scouts in hospitals has been happening for a while. John, a member of the UK Inclusion Team, has been bringing adventure to young patients since the 1960s.
From Great Ormond Street to Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital, John has dedicated decades to making sure young patients can experience Scouts. John highlights the importance of being flexible and adapting activities so every young person can take part.
Looking to the future
Neil and the team have plans to make the Group even better. Thanks to a generous donation of over £2,000 from the 2nd Uxbridge St Margaret’s Scout Group’s Centenary Fundraising Appeal, they’re now exploring ways to improve green spaces at the hospital.
They’re collaborating with hospital staff to decide whether to create an indoor garden or refurbish the hospital’s memorial garden. They’d also love to set up a regular bulletin about the Group, so more staff and families know they’re there.
For now, their focus is on keeping Thursday evenings fun, welcoming and packed with adventure – just as Scouts should be!