A VOLUNTEER radio team has returned to children's wards in a Southampton hospital after an enforced two-year break.
Radio Lollipop Southampton volunteers were forced to stop visiting Southampton Children's Hospital's youngest patients due to the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
Now, the team have been allowed to go back to what they do best; cheering up sick children through the healing power of play.
Generous donations from local companies and individuals meant the team were able to deliver a trolley-load of new toys, games and craft activities to the children.
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Tina Jones, Radio Lollipop Southampton trustee, said: “It is so good to be back. We received a very warm welcome from children and staff alike.
"Now we are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and expanding our volunteer base – watch this space."
She added: “We are very grateful to the voluntary services team who supported us in our return and kept us updated while we were unable to visit the children.
“Our thanks also go to everyone who kindly donated new craft packs, puzzles, books and games.
"It was a lovely feeling stocking up with fresh supplies and picturing the children’s smiles and reactions.”
Before their return, the team took part in refresher training provided by the voluntary services team at University Hospital Southampton.
The training ensures everyone was up to date with current infection prevention policy, safeguarding, health and safety, and other procedures.
The Radio Lollipop Southampton team plans to return slowly, visiting two children’s wards initially every Thursday evening, with a view to expanding once more volunteers have either returned or been recruited.
Radio Lollipop is now looking to expand its team of volunteers so that it can reach more sick children each week.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Radio Lollipop Southampton should contact the voluntary services team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust on 023 8120 4688.
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