Professional skills can make a real difference during long hospital stays.
Our Wellness Programme at Ronald McDonald House Ireland supports parents and caregivers who are under sustained stress while their child receives treatment. We invite qualified wellness professionals to volunteer their expertise through practical, structured sessions that help families rest, reset and cope week to week.
This is skills-based volunteering with real impact.
Family stays and wellbeing support helps families stay steady.
Wellness Programme Volunteers are trained or experienced professionals working in areas that support physical, emotional or practical wellbeing.
All providers must be appropriately qualified and experienced in their field.
This may include:
Qualified therapists and counsellors.
Movement and relaxation practitioners.
Massage and bodywork professionals.
Yoga or gentle mobility instructors.
Nutrition professionals.
Stress management facilitators.
Mindfulness and breathing coaches.
Family support specialists.
Financial or practical wellbeing advisers.
Wellness volunteers offer structured sessions within the House that fit around hospital life and family schedules. These sessions are practical, gentle and optional for families.
Sessions are designed to be accessible, low pressure and suitable for people experiencing high stress and fatigue.
Examples include:
Small group relaxation sessions.
Gentle movement or stretch classes.
One-to-one or small group wellbeing workshops.
Stress and coping skills sessions.
Guided breathing or mindfulness sessions.
Nutrition and energy support talks.
Therapeutic massage sessions where appropriate.
Practical wellbeing guidance sessions.
The House is first and foremost a home for families. Wellness volunteering must work within that environment.
That means sessions are:
A lot of our Wellness Programme volunteering is provided on a pro bono basis as a professional contribution to families.
We primarily look for professionals willing to donate their time and expertise.
However, where a specialist skill would offer exceptional benefit to families, we are open to discussing supported sessions. These are considered individually and are not standard programme practice.
Clarity and transparency are important from the outset.
We work with you to design sessions that are appropriate and realistic for the setting.
Wellness volunteers receive:
Programme briefing.
House orientation.
Safeguarding and confidentiality guidance.
Scheduling support.
A named staff contact.
Suitable space within the House where available.
Because families are in a vulnerable period, professional standards are essential.
We look for volunteers who are:
Properly qualified and insured where required.
Experienced working with stressed or vulnerable adults.
Calm and adaptable.
Respectful of boundaries.
Comfortable in non-clinical environments.
Flexible around attendance numbers.
Willing to coordinate content with staff.
Professional conduct is non-negotiable.
Caring for a seriously ill child affects sleep, decision making, emotional resilience and physical health. Small, well-designed wellbeing supports can help parents regulate stress and stay present.
These moments do not fix everything – but they help families get through the week.
That matters.
Wellness Programme volunteering is scheduled based on House need, space and programme balance.
To express interest:
Our team will review and follow up to explore fit and timing.
For Wellness Programme enquiries, please contact Joanne Pretsell at [email protected]
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