Radio Lollipop Southampton has launched a recruitment drive as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday this year.

New faces are needed to help entertain young patients on the children’s wards as well as to fill three crucial management roles – all of them voluntary.

Since its launch in 1994, the charity has supported thousands of sick children, providing music and play at a time when many youngsters can feel vulnerable and frightened.

Based on the healing power of play, the team visit the children’s wards two nights a week equipped with puzzles, games, word searches, colouring competitions and crafts.

The visits make a huge difference to young patients, adding a touch of normality to their hospital stay.

Currently, Radio Lollipop Southampton has 11 volunteers, ranging from students to retired people.

More support is urgently needed to ensure both evenings – 6pm to 8pm on Monday and Thursday – are covered and continue to go from strength to strength.

Ideally, the charity would like to have around 20 volunteers, which would enable it to launch a weekend session.

Also needed urgently within the team are a chair, fundraiser and treasurer to help drive the Southampton branch forwards.

It is an exciting time to get involved as the charity prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday this summer.

Tina Jones, Radio Lollipop Southampton Trustee, said: “This is the perfect time for new people to come onboard as we look to expand the service.

“Our existing volunteers are brilliant, but we need more. We are down to only two volunteers on Monday nights now, which puts the service at risk.”

Tina added: “I would encourage people of any age to come forward and give it a go. We are a friendly, supportive team – and the smiles on the children’s faces will make it all worthwhile!”

Currently, Radio Lollipop Southampton is working hard to raise the remaining £3,000 needed to fund a multi-sensory “LolliTrollie”, a high-tech piece of equipment designed to gain the attention of young patients and distract them from their illness.

Bubbles, disco lights, fibre optics, a balloon pump and karaoke gear are among features on the fully loaded LolliTrollie, described as the latest innovation in play technology.

For Southampton, the £12,000 piece of equipment is particularly needed as the Radio Lollipop team is currently unable to broadcast on the wards following hospital renovation work.

Potential ward-visiting volunteers need to be at least 18 and must clear the necessary checks associated with working with children.

Training will be provided, and people must commit to at least two-and-a-half hours in the evening per week and ten out of 13 sessions.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Radio Lollipop at Southampton can complete the simple Contact form here.