UK

13 February 2026  

RADIO LOLLIPOP SOUTHAMPTON LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR EXCITING NEW YEAR ON THE CHILDREN’S WARDS

A charity which helps cheer up sick children at Southampton General Hospital has begun 2026 with expansion plans.

Radio Lollipop Southampton has an action-packed year ahead and wants to strengthen its team of volunteers to ensure its popular service continues to flourish.

In the coming months, the team will take delivery of their longed-for LollliTrollie, a hi-tech mini radio station on wheels which allows music and sensory magic to be taken to the patient’s bedside.

Also a much-needed refurbishment of Radio Lollipop’s studio at the hospital is under way thanks for a £5,000 grant from DIY chain Screwfix.

Tina Jones, Radio Lollipop Southampton trustee, said: “We have so many exciting things happening this year; it really is the perfect time to come and join us.

“The existing team is brilliant but we would love to boost our numbers to ensure the charity continues to go from strength to strength with the ability to offer more evenings a week when we can visit the children.

“Our visits really do make a huge difference to young patients, as well as their families and the hospital staff.

“We are a very friendly and supportive team so I would encourage anyone over the age of 18 to come forward and find out more.”

Radio Lollipop Southampton has supported thousands of sick children over the past 32 years, providing colour, creativity and laughter 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.

Currently, Radio Lollipop Southampton has 13 volunteers but would like to get the team to above 20 to ensure both evenings – 6pm to 8pm on Monday and Thursday – are always covered.

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.

Radio Lollipop Southampton is also currently looking for a chair and a fundraiser to fill two gaps on its management committee.

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 or email volunteers@uhs.nhs.uk